UNILORIN women group unveils NAWACS crèche centre
By Mustafa Abubakar and Bashir Dawodu
The National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), University of Ilorin Branch, has reopened its crèche centre to provide a safe, convenient, and supportive childcare facility for female staff and students of the University.
The ceremony took place last Monday (January 5, 2026), at the Crèche Centre located beside the Student Affairs Unit, and was attended by members of the University community.
The initiative forms part of NAWACS’ sustained efforts to promote staff and students’ welfare, enhance work–life balance, and support early childhood development within the University.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Lanre Olaitan, described the reopening of the crèche as a significant contribution of women in academia to the overall development of the University.
She stated that the initiative aligns with global best practices in supporting working parents and students, as well as promoting early childhood education.
Prof. Bakare-Odunola noted that the impact of Women in Academia is evident across academic, administrative, and social spheres of the University community, adding that such welfare-driven initiatives strengthen institutional productivity and staff morale.
In her remarks, the wife of the Vice Chancellor, Mrs Muhibat Egbewole, who was represented by the Acting Director, Centre for Counselling and Human Development, Dr Mulkhat L. A. Mustapha, commended members of the Association for their collective commitment and determination in reviving the facility.
She noted that the reopening of the crèche reflects NAWACS’ resolve to create a more supportive and inclusive working environment for female staff and families within the University.
According to her, the crèche would play a critical role in reducing work-related stress among staff and students, while enhancing productivity through reliable childcare support.
She appreciated the coordinators and caregivers at the centre for their dedication and professionalism, as she acknowledged their efforts in ensuring that the facility meets acceptable standards of care, safety, and early learning.
She also appealed to the University management to provide additional rooms to improve space, comfort, and learning conditions for the children.
Mrs Egbewole encouraged staff members and students to enrol their wards at the centre, assuring them of a nurturing, secure, and child-friendly environment that supports holistic child development, while expressing confidence that the crèche would continue to grow with the support of relevant stakeholders.
Also speaking, the President of NAWACS, University of Ilorin Branch, Prof. Olabisi Olawuyi, described the crèche as a vital support system for working parents and students, particularly female staff.
She explained that access to quality childcare within the campus would enhance emotional well-being, work efficiency, and family stability among staff and students.
According to her, the centre is structured to support early learning, social interaction, and proper care for children during working hours.
Prof. Olawuyi expressed optimism that the crèche would serve as a model for inclusive staff and students’ welfare initiatives within the University, adding that continuous improvement, adequate staffing, and sustained infrastructural support would further strengthen its operations.
She, therefore, called on stakeholders to support the initiative for long-term benefits to both staff and the University community.
The Crèche Coordinators, Dr Shola I. Iyekolo and Dr Munirat Subair, in their separate remarks, assured the University community of best practices in the management and operation of the centre.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin on the sidelines of the event, an alumnus of the crèche, Muhammed Auwal Badamas, now a Primary Two pupil, expressed gratitude for his experience at the centre.
He said he never regretted attending the crèche and urged parents to enrol their wards to benefit from the quality care and strong foundation it provides.
