Mentees, University Women Honour Prof Onifade with Award, Festschrift on International Women’s Day
Mentees and members of the Nigerian Association of University Women, FUNAAB Chapter, have honoured the National President of NAUW, Prof. Comfort Onifade, with an award and a Festschrift in recognition of her outstanding contributions to scholarship and mentorship.
The event, held on March 18, 2026, at the Postgraduate School Auditorium of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, called on male staff to take a more active role in advancing gender equality within the University system. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, he stressed the need for men to serve as allies and champions in creating an inclusive environment where women and girls can thrive.
He reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and its commitment to fairness and transparency in career progression, noting that achieving gender equality requires deliberate support and collaboration across all levels.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Dean of the College of Biosciences, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, traced the historical roots of NAUW, linking it to early 20th-century women’s movements advocating labour rights and suffrage. She highlighted the significance of the global “Give to Gain” campaign, emphasizing mentorship, collaboration, and generosity as essential drivers of women’s leadership and institutional growth.
According to her, while these values are critical, they are often challenged by time constraints and competitive academic environments, making collective commitment indispensable for sustainable impact.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a Festschrift in honour of Prof. Onifade, celebrating her legacy of academic excellence and dedication to mentoring younger generations of men and women alike.
In her response, Prof. Onifade described the recognition as a reflection of a shared journey of impact built through years of mentoring others. She paid tribute to her late husband, Prof. Sunday Onifade, acknowledging his support as pivotal to her career, and encouraged emerging academics to prioritise meaningful contributions over the pursuit of accolades.
Earlier, the NAUW FUNAAB Chapter President, Prof. Emily Ayo-John, urged female graduates to pursue their careers with confidence, while highlighting the association’s ongoing initiatives, including advocacy for girl-child education and the management of the University Crèche to support working mothers.
The event also featured a send-forth ceremony in honour of retiring NAUW members, including Prof. Onifade and Prof. Elizabeth Oluwalana, in recognition of their years of dedicated service.
Other activities included a health talk delivered by Dr. Oladunni Ladeinde, focusing on women’s health, preventive care, and the importance of holistic wellbeing.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their support and commitment to gender equality, including the Vice-Chancellor and other distinguished members of the academic community.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mentorship, deepening collaboration, and sustaining efforts toward gender equality within the University and beyond.
