It was a day of glitz and glamour when the former Director General of Federal Institute of Industry Research (FIRO), Oshodi, Professor Gloria Elemo received an award of recognition by organization for women in science for the developing world. (OWSD) Lagos State University (LASU) Chapter recently in Lagos..
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, (OWSD) is an international non-profit organisation based at the offices of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy, a program unit of UNESCO.
OWSD provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientist throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.
While receiving the award, Gloria Elemo, a professor of nutritional biochemistry thanked the organization of women in science for the developing world LASU chapter for considering her worthy of the award.
She pointed out that, “we started the science department in LASU in 1984 when the University started and I am happy for whatever is happening here today because this is where I first of all cut my teeth as a researcher and as an administrator.”
She however tasked women in science to come up with research work that will have a strong impact on entraprenureship in a way that will entrench industrial revolution in the developing world, stressing that, there’s a strong collaboration between research that will have impact on the society and entraprenureship.
Elemo whose research work had provided solution to people suffering from sickle cell aneamia disclosed that, science is critical to the growth and development of any country that wants to stand tall among its contemplaries anywhere in the world.
Earlier in her opening remark, the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Professor Adenike Boyo thanked the organization for women in science for the developing world, LASU chapter for what they are contributing in the field of science.
According to her, “the role of science in the developed and developing world cannot be over emphasised. Therefore, this organisation has done well by organising seminars that has deepened research and development in the field of science.”
“despite significant improvements in the last couple of years, women are still under-represented in science and technology, both in the academic and private sector. This is due to a variety of reasons, mostly related to the role allocated to women in modern society as well as pre-existing prejudices that form glass ceilings while encouraging male presence in the workplace.” She noted.
Continuing, he pointed out that, “It is also however, a result of information or lack of, which places young women in difficult position of making a career choice, with little knowledge of available possibilities. What seems to be missing are good role models that could act as inspiration and source of information and guidance, and offer a glimpse into the reality of being a female employed in the field of science and/or technology.”
The University Erudite called on parents, teachers, and career guidance counselors all have a significant role in assisting or hindering the way young women chose their career paths and that choice begins early on from school, all the way through to higher education.”
