*LASUED COSED, OWSD Celebrates International Day for Women and Girls in Science 2026*
The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), through its Branch of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 commemorated the 2026 International Day for Women and Girls in Science. The event, themed “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” was held at the College of Science Education (COSED) Boardroom and aimed at promoting increased participation of women in science and technology.
In her address, the Dean of the College of Science Education and Interim Coordinator of OWSD LASUED Branch, Professor Aderonke Margaret Oginni, who also represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, emphasised the need to transform vision into measurable impact. She noted that the persistent gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is not due to a lack of ability among women, but rather structural barriers, cultural expectations, and unequal access to opportunities.
Professor Oginni described OWSD as a global movement committed to empowering women as key contributors to scientific and technological advancement. She stressed that closing the gender gap is critical to innovation, national growth, and sustainable development. Reaffirming LASUED’s commitment to inclusive learning. She stated that the university would continue to promote women’s leadership in research and innovation while aligning institutional goals with national STEM development priorities.
Addressing students at the programme, she encouraged them to remain resilient, courageous, and collaborative in pursuing STEM careers, assuring them of institutional support. She also called on educators and leaders to actively champion gender equity in education and research.
The Guest Speaker, Mrs. Florence Adetola-Alao, Learning and Development Manager at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, highlighted the urgent need to increase women’s participation in STEM fields. She observed that women constitute less than one-third of the global STEM workforce despite their vast innovation potential. According to her, bridging this gap requires deliberate actions, including early exposure to STEM education, strong mentorship, inclusive learning environments, and sustained advocacy.
Mrs. Adetola-Alao further stressed the importance of building confidence, developing practical skills, and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources. She urged young women to remain focused and resilient in their career pursuits and called on educators, parents, and leaders to remove structural barriers that hinder women’s progress. She concluded by encouraging stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to concrete actions through partnerships and collective efforts aimed at achieving measurable impact in advancing gender equity in STEM.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Dr. O.A. Ladele, Dr. Okunuga and Mrs. Kumuyi, who encouraged parents to support their children in pursuing science-related careers, build confidence to overcome barriers, and strive to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
