AUST Marks International Women’s Day with Strong Calls for Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, commemorated International Women’s Day with a high-level event that brought together university leadership, development partners, students, and stakeholders to advance discussions on women’s empowerment, leadership, and societal impact.
The event featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Barr. Imeh Patience Okon, CEO of PSIN and Special Guest of Honour; and Her Excellency Dame Pauline Tallen, who delivered the keynote address. Also in attendance was Fify Kamana of the United Nations Population Fund, whose closing remarks in French were interpreted by Dr Odette Faye Ngasso. Other attendees included academic staff, partners, and key stakeholders from various institutions.
In his welcome address, Prof. Onwualu presented an overview of the University’s growth and strategic direction, highlighting its strong postgraduate focus, expanding undergraduate programmes, and robust research ecosystem. He noted the institution’s engagement of African diaspora faculty to strengthen graduate training and mitigate brain drain. He also referenced AUST’s advanced laboratories, Centres of Excellence, student exchange initiatives, and its innovation hub, which supports student-led start-ups and commercialisation. He further emphasised gender-inclusive scholarship programmes that have contributed to increased female participation in STEM, particularly in materials science.
Delivering the opening remarks, Lizzy Ulunma Asomugha, Centre Lead of the Centre of Excellence for Gender, Technology, and Sustainable Development (CoE-GTSD), underscored the importance of moving beyond symbolic observance. She described the event as part of a broader institutional effort to address persistent gender disparities, particularly in political participation.
She highlighted the Centre’s vision to serve as a leading interdisciplinary hub that leverages technology, data, and scientific innovation to drive gender equality and sustainable development. According to her, the Centre’s mission focuses on generating evidence-based knowledge and practical solutions that empower women and girls while strengthening inclusive systems.
Ms.Lizzy outlined four strategic priorities—research, capacity building, policy engagement, and inclusivity—aimed at producing relevant research, developing skilled professionals, supporting data-driven policymaking, and promoting shared responsibility in advancing gender equity. She also emphasised the link between political participation and broader factors such as education, economic opportunity, digital access, and safe spaces for engagement.
In her keynote address, Her Excellency, Dame Pauline Tallen called for increased inclusion of women in leadership and governance, urging stakeholders to move beyond tokenism towards meaningful representation. She further highlighted critical priorities, including the elimination of preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs in adolescent family planning, and ending gender-based violence, while advocating strengthened interventions in healthcare, education, and community support systems.
Barr. Imeh Patience Okon, Special Guest of Honour, delivered brief remarks on the importance of non-violent political participation and professional development, emphasising ethical engagement and the role of institutional frameworks in supporting inclusive governance.
The event also featured a blend of intellectual engagement and cultural expression, including a musical performance celebrating the resilience and contributions of women. Speakers reinforced the need for increased participation of women in decision-making processes across sectors.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Odette Faye Ngasso, who also interpreted the closing remarks by Madam Fify Kamana. She expressed appreciation to participants, partners, and organisers for their contributions to the success of the event. The ceremony ended with announcements on photography and refreshments, a recitation of the National Pledge, and the presentation of certificates of appreciation.
The event reaffirmed AUST’s commitment to advancing gender equality through education, innovation, and inclusive leadership, while positioning the Centre of Excellence for Gender, Technology, and Sustainable Development as a platform for delivering measurable and sustainable impact.