The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan branch, successfully hosted the 1st Biennial OWSD Southwest Conference and the maiden edition of the Early Career Workshop from September 3rd to 6th, 2024.
The OWSD National Chairperson, Prof. Olayinka I. Nwachukwu and the Southwest Coordinator, Prof. Adenike O. Olaseinde, were present as leaders of OWSD Nigeria and Southwest Zone. The conference provided a pacesetting platform for researchers to present their findings, exchange innovative ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions that fostered both national and international collaboration and networking.
The conference featured Early Career Workshop sessions on Effective Strategies for Writing Grant Winning proposals, Skills for Enhancing Visibility and Collaboration, and The Role of Mentoring in Career Development, with Prof. Folasade Olajuyigbe, Prof. Grace Adebo, and Prof. Aina Adeogun respectively
The conference theme, "Women in Science: Sustaining the Future through Education, Technology and Innovation," was explored through eight sub-themes: ranging from Agriculture and Food Safety, Climate Change and Green Energy Environmental Pollution and Conservation, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, STEM Education and Social Sciences for Sustainable Development, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Digital Technologies, Engineering, Robotics and Automated Systems, Nutrition in Health and Diseases, to One Health Approaches: The Environmental and Human Nexus
The scientific programme featured: 214 oral presentations, 230 poster presentations, 19 undergraduate presentations (Special Feature I), 4 high school presentations (Special Feature II)
In recognition of the outstanding contributions to research and commitment to workplace equity, eminent female Vice Chancellors, Professors, Executive Directors, CEOs, and Honourable Commissioners were conferred with the Life Member and Friends of OWSD Southwest Awards respectively.
Highlights included one keynote and 7 plenary lectures delivered by:
• Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Nigeria - Keynote Speaker
Academic Progression in the Academia; Passing the Baton, Sustaining the Legacy.
• Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure - Plenary 1
Investing in research as women scientists: A catalyst for sustainable development.
• Mrs. Opeyemi Udoye, MD/Country General Manager, Twinnings Ovaltine Nigeria Limited - Plenary 2
Launching women in STEM into Leadership.
• Prof. Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin), Lagos State University - Plenary 3
Climate change, green energy, environmental pollution and conservation.
• Prof. Chinedum Babalola, FAS, FAAS, FPSH, Former Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta - Plenary 4 - Breaking down Disciplinary Barriers; Strategy for Inter-disciplinary collaboration in One Health Research.
• Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, FAS, FAMeds, L'Oreal-UNESCO Laureate,
Plenary 5 - One Health, The Sickle Cell Gene and the Plasmodium falciparum nexus
• Prof. Beatrice Opeolu - Plenary 6
The Impact of a waste water treatment plant discharges on the Veldwatcher River, Western Cape: Benefit or Burden
• Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, FAS, FAAS - Plenary 7
Exploring the connections between food security, climate resilience, biotechnology, engineering and artificial intelligence in Nigeria's economy.
Some distinguished OWSD Life members, and friends of OWSD Ibadan chaired plenary scientific sessions, including: Prof Margaret A. Sowunmi, Prof Catherine Falade, Prof. Janice Olawoye, Prof. Yetunde Aluko, Prof. Omokhafe Ugbogu, Prof. Adeyinka Aboaba, Dr. Dorcas Ibitoye, Dr. Sarah Akintola, Dr. Olutola Oyedele, Dr. Adenike Olufolaji, Dr. Comfort Olateru, Dr. Olajumoke Fayinminu, Dr. Edidiong Ukoh, Dr. Mojisola Bolarinwa, Dr. Omolara Ojeziele, Prof. A. I. Olayinka and Prof. John Anetor.
The 1st Biennial OWSD Southwest Conference has set a strong foundation for future OWSD Zonal Conferences, further inspiring women in science to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development across Nigeria and beyond.
The support of the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale mni, FAS, and the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. O.O. Sonibare, donors, Executive, as well as the Local Organizing Committee made the conference a huge success.
OWSD Ibadan and Southwest appreciates our undergraduate and high school students for adding the first-ever 'twist of the future' to a Nigerian conference through the Special Features I & II sessions.
