UNILORIN hosts NiWARD 2nd workshop on mentorship, leadership
By Isaac Lewu
The Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s voices in academia and agricultural research by organising its 2nd Training Workshop on Mentorship and Leadership, with focus on empowering researchers and academics through impactful guidance and inclusive leadership.
The event, which took place last Monday (September 22, 2025) at the University of Ilorin Auditorium Basement, was themed “Sowing Seed of Impact: Mentorship and Leadership Training for Women Researchers and Academics.”
The training, which attracted scholars, researchers, and academics from across various institutions, was aimed at equipping women with leadership skills and fostering mentorship culture in agricultural development.
In his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Prof. Israel O. Ogunlade, commended NiWARD for choosing the University as the host for the impactful programme.
Prof. Ogunlade described mentoring as a catalyst for institutional growth and pledged the Faculty’s continued support for initiatives that would empower women scholars.
In his keynote address, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, emphasised the centrality of mentoring and leadership in building sustainable academic institutions.
Prof. Sanni charged participants to imbibe a culture of knowledge transfer that secures institutional memory while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
The National President of NiWARD, Dr Ansa Ebinimi, who spoke on “Leadership for Impact: Driving Institutional Changes through Female Voices.” emphasised the role of women researchers in breaking barriers and driving transformational changes in academia and agricultural development.
Dr Ebinimi further called for policies that guarantee inclusivity and strengthen gender participation at leadership levels.
Also speaking, Prof. Petra Sagir of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), whose paper was entitled “Inclusive Research: Gender Responsive Approaches in Agricultural Development.” highlighted the importance of gender-sensitive methodologies in research. He added that integration enhances innovation, enriches knowledge production, and provides solutions tailored to community needs.
Also, Dr Kehinde Olayemi Affinni of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, encouraged young scholars to value intergenerational mentorship as a tool for sustaining excellence within research and academic systems.
In her contribution, Dr Nusirat Aderinsola Sadiku, the North-Central Coordinator of NiWARD and immediate past Head of the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, noted that mentorship networks such as AWARD and NiWARD could transform career trajectory and expand opportunities for women in science.
The Branch Chairperson of NiWARD, Prof. O. F. Adekola, who also coordinated the programme, appreciated participants for their active involvement.
Prof. Adekola assured participants that NiWARD would remain committed to promoting mentorship, leadership development, and capacity building for women in agricultural research.
