Networking and STEM education take centre stage at global women breakfast
By Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Acting Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Dr Olutomi A. Adeyemi-Ale, has urged staff and students to utilise networking opportunities as she emphasised that it is essential for career growth, especially in academia, and that collaboration opens doors to new opportunities and insights.
Dr Adeyemi-Ale made the call last Monday (February 16, 2026) while speaking at an event organised by the Women in Chemistry Division of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, in collaboration with Networking of Nigerian Women in STEM (NWISTEM) to mark the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women’s Breakfast at the Department of Chemistry Boardroom.
She explained that building a network requires proactive efforts and strategic engagement, and she encouraged ongoing support among peers for success.
While analysing strategies for effective networking, Dr Adeyemi-Ale pointed out that participants are expected to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in their fields, identify themselves, attend conferences, workshops, research symposiums, and join special interest groups and meetups.
Dr Adeyemi-Ale further stated that collaboration provides opportunities such as expertise, talents, skill sets, specialist apparatus, research facilities, and funding resources, stressing that all these could help them excel in their chosen careers ..
She, therefore, called on participants to look inward towards engaging in interdisciplinary projects and improving the quality and scope of students,which would lead to more significant and impactful outcomes.
In her lecture, titled “STEM Education for Girls,” Prof. Temitope Odetoye, stressed the need for participants to develop skills for future jobs, solve local challenges in agriculture, energy, and health, build innovation hubs and startups, and contribute to Nigeria’s specific growth.
Prof. Odetoye, who is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, advocated for the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, software development, civil/mechanical engineering, environmental science, and mathematics/data analysis.
The renowned scholar, who is also a former Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, advised students to be inquisitive in achieving their desires, particularly in Chemistry.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Prof. Rufus Sha’aba, who was represented by the Chairman of CSN, Kwara State Chapter, Prof. S.O. Oguntoye, said that the event continues the tradition of celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in Chemistry.
He emphasised that “the continuing challenge of equity in every sphere of human endeavour is global. But for equity to prevail, diversity, must be respected and intentionally promoted.”
According to him, our womenfolk, who are naturally endowed with the capacity to handle complex situations simultaneously, must demonstrate this capacity through their educational and research endeavours.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Modinat Abdulraheem, said that Science is not the work of a single voice but is always encouraged by a curiosity, stressing that each scientist must contribute his perspectives, experiences, and ideas to create an impactful research community.
Prof. Abdulraheem stressed further that diversity in science is not just an expectation, it is about innovation; when voices from different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines come together, we expand the boundaries of knowledge.
In his goodwill message, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba, said that the rate of success in anything one does in life can be determined through practical efforts and prayers . He, therefore, counselled the students to remain focused and be prayerful.
The Coordinator of Women in Chemistry, Kwara Chapter, Prof. Lawal Amudat, appreciated the efforts of the staff members of the Department, which contributed to the success of this year’s celebration. She also charged students to put Allah first and adhere strictly to all advice given.
The event was attended by Prof. Awolola V. G., Prof. Zubairu F. M., Prof. U.B. Eke, Dr Bamigboye M. O., Dr H. F. Babamale, Mrs Subairu Mutiat K., among others.
