In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, Bells University of Technology, Ota, organised a high-level, all inclusive seminar for the women of the institution. The theme of the seminar was “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality – Empowering Women for Digital Relevance”. The event held at the BUPF International Conference Centre by 10.00 am on Wednesday, 8th March, 2023, the day set aside by the United Nations for women all over the world.
To ensure that the theme of the event was judiciously explored, facilitators were drawn from the crop of intellectuals among the academic and non-academic women of the University. Dr. Atinuke Orekan, Deputy Dean, College of Environmental Sciences, and Mrs. Omolola Adebiyi, Senior Assistant Registrar, Student Affairs presented the papers for the day and did justice to the subject of discussion. The serenading and thought-provoking presentations courted positive reactions from participants. The University Librarian, Dr. Felicia Yusuf who hosted the event affirmed that women over the years have made significant contributions to human development and there is no better time than now, to consolidate on the good work. In her welcome address, she noted that gone are the days of prejudice against women as excellence transcends the barrier of discrimination. She therefore advised women to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives. The amiable Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Jeremiah O. Ojediran, RE (COREN) MNSE, FNIAE who was the Chief Host adjudged the event as excellent.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor traced the history of the International Women’s Day, pointed out the significance and the impact it has made over the years. He pointed out that several programmes, conferences and initiatives from the women folks are yielding positive results that are becoming conspicuous in the performance of the female gender at workplaces and institutions of learning. He appreciated the University Librarian and the planning committee, noting that despite the fact that the event was the maiden edition at Bells University of Technology, the planning and the turnout were very impressive. He therefore encourage women to show more relevance as they make significance contributions in the departments, association and the entire University community. The Vice-Chancellor made reference to the presentations by the two facilitators, noting that they have made significant contribution to knowledge. He therefore encouraged participants to translate the knowledge to action.
He did not end his address without celebrating the University Librarian, Dr. Felicia O. Yusuf who clocked exactly twenty years of working as an academic on 8th March, 2023 which incidentally was the day dedicated to honour women. He also celebrated Mrs. Mrs. Adebiyi Omolola, one of the facilitators, whose birthday was on the eve (7th March) of the celebration.
Speaking first was the Deputy Dean for the College of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Atinuke Orekan, who spoke about women in tech, as well as the challenges faced. She also enumerated benefits of women getting involved with technology and gave solutions to improving women readiness in tech. After Dr Orekan’s presentation, the Bells University drama troupe presented an entertaining playlet, which, in line with the theme of the day, expressed the advantages of women in tech.
The Bells Comprehensive Schools graced the occasion with a poetry presentation. A poem and play written by Dr. Sola Owolabi were presented. The two pointed to the fact that every barrier is scalable for women and there is no limit to heights they could reach. It is also noteworthy that the male counterparts were also present to grace the occasion. Comments and contributions were made by participants. Dr. Bibiana Njogo who moderated this session also pointed out that times have changed as limiting cultures and traditions are being broken, giving boundless opportunities to women.
In closing, the Host and University Librarian, Dr. Felicia Yusuf appreciated members of Management for staying through the programme. She commended the facilitators for inspiring change among the women of Bells University of technology and advised women not to shy away from certain responsibilities that have been erroneously tagged as ‘men’s businesses’. In the same vein, the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor, Prof Jeremiah O. Ojediran, in his closing remarks also advised BellsTechn women to gain more visibility by engaging in social platforms like LinkedIn, twitter and other platforms to project their innovations and capabilities. He also challenged the men present at the event to brace up for the International Men’s Day coming up on the 19th of March. He challenged men to take up the responsibility of organizing an inspiring programme to commemorate the day. The event ended on an exciting and positive note as Mrs. Odeyinde gave the vote of thanks and Mrs. Nofiu offered the closing prayer.