For three memorable days, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, celebrated the remarkable career of renowned academic and gender advocate, Prof Olabisi Idowu Aina, who retired at the age of 70 after nearly 40 years of exemplary service.
Prof Aina’s profound contributions to academia, especially in advancing gender research and policy in Nigeria, were honoured with a series of events that ran from Wednesday, 20th November, to Friday, 22nd November 2024. The events attracted notable stakeholders from across Nigeria’s academic and public sectors.
The celebration commenced with a Roundtable on Gender Issues and Sustainable Development in Nigeria organised by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Communication, and Media Studies.
Discussions at the event covered topics such as An Insight into Causes, Consequences, and Prevention of SGBV, Work-Life Balance, and The Role of the University’s Centre for Gender Studies in Sustainable Development.
On Thursday, 21st November, the spotlight shifted to the launch of a book titled Shifting Sands: Nigeria’s Evolving Gender Landscape.
This was accompanied by another roundtable discussion, Intergenerational Conversation: Feminist Ideals and Future Governance Accountability.
The grand finale on Friday, 22nd November, featured a Valedictory Lecture titled From The Margin to The Mainstream: Gender and Inclusive African Development. The event brought together prominent figures in Nigeria’s education sector, who delivered glowing tributes to Prof Aina, describing her as a mentor and role model.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof A.S. Bamire, were the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors of OAU: Prof Olubola Babalola (Academics), Prof Yomi Daramola (Admin), and Prof Akanni Akinyemi (Research, Innovation, and Development). Bishop Felix Ajakaiye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, led the opening prayer.
Distinguished guests included a delegation from Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, led by its Promoter, Dr Mrs Adenike Kolawole, where Prof Aina serves as Pro-Chancellor. Also in attendance were Prof Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, and Prof Shola Akinbobola, representing the Redeemer’s University, Ede. Other dignitaries included former OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mike Faborode, and several esteemed academics.
A highlight of the valedictory events was the Investiture of Fellows at the Centre for Gender, Women, and Children in Social Development (CGWCSD).
In her valedictory lecture, Prof Aina lamented the negative impact of gender inequality on Nigeria’s development.
She emphasised that: “Gender is considered a cross-cutting variable in all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In essence, no nation can achieve the SDG goals without addressing the root causes of underdevelopment: gender inequality, women’s disempowerment, and social exclusionary practices. These, and many more are at the core of ‘gender and development’ discourse.”
She called for a multi-faceted approach involving advocacy, policy refinement, and international cooperation to address persistent challenges and improve the lives of African women and girls.
Concluding her address, she stated: “Together, we can shape a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality for everyone!”
She expressed optimism for the future of gender equality in Africa, adding, “I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to drive positive change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. I firmly believe that the next generation of scholars, activists, policymakers, and leaders will not only advance the cause of gender equality but also build upon the strong foundation we have established.”
