OWSD Nigeria Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science with Nationwide Activities

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Nigeria Chapter marked the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science with vibrant and impactful activities across several branches nationwide. This year’s celebration, themed “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” underscored the urgent need to translate advocacy into measurable progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

From radio engagements to school outreaches, science exhibitions, and quiz competitions, OWSD Nigeria branches demonstrated a shared commitment to inspiring girls and strengthening women’s participation in STEM fields.

National Leadership Calls for Action

In her address, the National Chairperson of OWSD Nigeria, Professor Folasade M. Olajuyigbe emphasized that while science knows no borders, opportunities in STEM must also be without limits. She noted that the 2026 theme challenges stakeholders to move beyond aspirations and take deliberate steps toward closing the persistent gender gap in STEM, particularly in developing countries where structural barriers and social norms still hinder women’s full participation.

She highlighted OWSD’s global efforts supported by its Secretariat in Italy and international partners in empowering women scientists, strengthening research capacity, and promoting gender equity. In Nigeria, she affirmed, the Chapter continues to translate this global vision into grassroots action through mentorship, outreach, leadership development, and advocacy.

The Chairperson commended all branches for their ongoing efforts, stressing that meaningful impact is built through consistent, local engagement. She also encouraged girls and young women to remain confident, reminding them that science needs their voices, creativity, and curiosity.

Similarly, Professor Grace Ekpenyong Iniama, Vice President, African Region of OWSD, celebrated women scientists across the continent for their resilience and dedication. She acknowledged the challenges identified at the Bogota OWSD General Assembly—Caregiving, Career, and Culture—often referred to as the “3Cs” confronting women in STEM. She praised members for navigating these challenges successfully and urged younger girls to remain steadfast, ambitious, and confident in their pursuit of excellence in science.

Branch Activities Across the Country

Sixteen Branches across Nigeria marked the Day with diverse and engaging programs:

OWSD Yola Branch organized a Science Exhibition and Quiz Competition involving students from six schools within Yola. Winners received cash prizes of ₦30,000 (1st place), ₦20,000 (2nd place), and ₦10,000 (3rd place). All participating schools were awarded certificates, while each student received notebooks and pens as encouragement.

Ekiti State University Branch celebrated the Day virtually on February 11, 2026. Professor G.M. Adebo delivered a lecture on the theme, focusing on practical strategies for translating vision into measurable outcomes in STEM. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment.

 Lagos State University Branch members engaged the university community through a radio interview on LASU Radio. The discussion highlighted the significance of the International Day and celebrated the contributions of notable women scientists, while also creating awareness about OWSD’s mission.

OWSD Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu Branch began its celebration with a courtesy visit to the Rector, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, who formally adopted the Branch as its Patron. The team further visited IMT Secondary School and IMT Model Primary School, inspiring young girls to pursue STEM careers. 

The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences Enugu (FUAHSE) Branch visited Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Trans Ekulu, Enugu. Members engaged students in discussions centered on the theme, encouraging them to develop a strong academic foundation in science subjects as a pathway to future careers in STEM.

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa Branch also commemorated the Day with activities aimed at promoting girls’ participation in science and technology. 

OWSD Federal University of Oye-Ekiti Branch visited the female students of St Augustine Comprehensive High School, Oye-Ekiti. They had an enlightening session with the girls and exercise notebooks were given to all science students and pens to all female students in the school. 

Members of OWSD Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti Branch invited members of the public as well as students from ABUAD International School, Banji Akintoye Model College and student of their institution to a listen to an inspiring presentation on bridging the gender gap in STEM and digital tools for transforming our world. The students also were part of the conversation in a talk show organized by them.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Branch continued its long-standing outreach tradition by visiting Ife Girls High School and Adventist Secondary School in Ile-Ife. The initiative, which began when the current cohort was in JSS 3, now supports students from JSS 1 to JSS 3. The focus remains on demystifying mathematics, building confidence, and nurturing sustained interest in science subjects.

Other Participating Branches of OWSD Nigeria 

Other OWSD Nigeria branches that also marked the Day through various forms of engagement and awareness activities include:

* University of Nigeria Nsukka, Branch

* University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo Branch 

* Federal University of Technology Akure Branch

* OWSD Ibadan Branch (comprising several institutions within the city of Ibadan)

* University of Lagos Branch

*Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Branch

*University of Abuja Branch

University of Port Harcourt, Branch

Moving Forward

The 2026 celebration reinforced OWSD Nigeria’s commitment to moving from vision to impact through intentional investment in girls’ education, mentorship, and institutional reform. Across branches, the message was clear: redefining STEM means redefining who belongs in science. As activities concluded nationwide, one message resonated strongly—closing the gender gap in STEM is not merely an aspiration but a collective responsibility. Through sustained advocacy, outreach, and collaboration, OWSD Nigeria continues to demonstrate that real impact begins at the grassroots and grows into national transformation.