UI Has More Female Than Male Students – VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, (UI) Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has revealed that the institution currently has more female students than male, with a gender ratio of 51 to 49 percent.

He made this known during a courtesy visit by the executive committee members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), led by its National President, Engr. Dr. Adebisi R. Osim. The visit was part of activities ahead of the association’s upcoming conference and Annual General Meeting, scheduled to take place on the UI campus.

Professor Adebowale highlighted the university’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that the UI Gender Mainstreaming Office was established to promote equity and prevent discrimination against women within the academic community.

He also pointed out the growing representation of women in the university’s leadership, mentioning that UI currently has two female Deputy Vice Chancellors and a female University Librarian. He further disclosed that the Faculty of Technology recently produced its first female professor, breaking long-standing gender stereotypes in the traditionally male-dominated field.

“We do not operate gender-based restrictions at the University of Ibadan. The demographic shift is evident, and we are proud to support policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

He commended APWEN for its dedication to empowering women in engineering and pledged the university’s support for the success of the association’s conference and AGM.

In her remarks, Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim appreciated the University of Ibadan for its proactive stance on gender issues. She explained that APWEN, founded 42 years ago as a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, remains focused on encouraging young girls to pursue careers in engineering and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Our programmes are designed to prepare young female engineers for the workplace and connect them with internship and mentorship opportunities,” she said.

Also present at the visit were executive members of the APWEN Ibadan Chapter, led by the Chapter Chairperson, Engr. Raheema Abiola Adebanija.