FUNAAB delegates at Ibadan meeting
The University’s efforts at ensuring gender balance in its entire structure, right from the appointment of Principal Officers to other appointments in the University have been acknowledged by the Schlumberger Foundation.
The Foundation which is a non-profit organization that supports Science and Technology education, recognizes the link between science, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realizing individual potential.
The Schlumberger Foundation flagship Programme is a Faculty for the Future and four members of staff of the University namely; Dr Funmilayo Alayaki, Dr Mopelola Idowu, Dr Caroline Akinremi, and Dr Bukola Adenubi have benefitted from the programme.
The program has as its long-term goal to generate conditions that will result in more women pursuing scientific careers by lowering the barriers women face when entering STEM disciplines, consequently reducing the gender gap.
Shedding light on the activities of the University during the Schlumberger Foundation Outreach the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako presented relevant data on Women in terms of students’ admission and graduation, staffing especially with respect to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), appointment and gender instrument and policies.
Issues deliberated on at the Outreach included gender situations in terms of studentship, lecturers, research fellows and females occupying key positions in the various universities, deliberate steps taken to ensure female conducive work place such as the provision of crèches for nursing mothers in institutions, maternity leaves, post maternity leave, concessional working hours and deliberate policies in some higher institutions that ensure that some keys positions are reserved for deserving female candidates.
The University was advised to set in motion the machineries to develop its own gender and sexual harassment policy as soon as possible so as to comply effectively with international best practices.
The delegation in attendance from University included Professor (Mrs) Oluyemisi Eromosele, Professor (Mrs.) Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, Professor (Mrs.) Folake Henshaw, Professor (Mrs.) Helen Bodunde, Professor (Mrs.) Comfort Onifade, Dr. (Mrs.) Fehintola Onifade UL), Professor S. O. Ismaila, Professor Olusiji Sowande, Professor Amidu Mustapha, Engr. (Mrs.) Lola Banjo.