Coordinator of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan branch, Prof. Aina Adeogun, has harped on the need to celebrate female retired academicians and scholars for their utmost sacrifice in paving way for career women in the society

The Professor of Toxicology at the University of Ibadan made this known at the significant workshop cum life-member award ceremony of OWSD held on Wednesday at the Department of Zoology, University of lbadan. OWSD Ibadan branch coordinator

Speaking on the theme of the event “Building a Career Path in Academia: Guiding Principles for the Female Academic,” the OWSD Ibadan branch coordinator explained that the life-member award ceremony was to recognise the efforts of three “living legends” and founding actors of the association.

“We rarely celebrate our mentors and achievers when they are retired. OWSD Ibadan is trying to bring a new perspective into the way we view retirement. So, we realize that we cannot be where we are if not for the sacrifices of these distinguished women. And that’s why we are starting this initiative, and we are encouraging all sectors in the University of Ibadan and other institutions to set up a day to celebrate our retired members.”

She noted that these personalities, although retired from public service, they possess enough wealth of knowledge to mentor younger women in their respective careers. These legends, according to her, are best celebrated while living.

According to her, “Let’s also celebrate people while they are still in service. We can create an Appreciation Day for staffs to motivate lots of people to give their best to the system. By this, we will be able to create a more vibrant environment while people are in service, and a more rewarding experience when they are retired.”

Adeogun further urged institutions of higher learning across the country to allow retired academic dons who are still energetic to lecture students occasionally, or offer services such as free lecturing, consultations, and technical expertise.

“The kind of feedback and repository of knowledge that they will use in approaching students is still more robust than ours,” she noted.

At the significant event, Life-member awards were given to, a professor of agriculture and rural development, Professor Stella Odebode; immediate past coordinator of OWSD Ibadan and a professor of aqua tourism, biodiversity, and environmental toxicology, Professor Funmilola Ajani; and Coordinator of Department of Microbiology at Federal University of Ila-Orangun, and an expert in food microbiology, microbial physiology, and metabolism, Dr. Gbemisola Onipede.

The three personalities were honoured for their sacrifices and bold steps in restarting the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

A posthumous Life Member Award was also given to, a professor of chemical pathology and consultant to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Late Prof. Bola Osifo.

OWSD provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.