‎The Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has urged women to embrace mentorship, resilience, and authenticity as pathways to growth and leadership.

‎She gave this charge while delivering the keynote lecture at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Centre for Gender Studies and Development, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), held on Tuesday March 24, 2026 at Nelson Mandela Hall. The event was themed “Give to Gain: A Storytelling Approach in Mentorship.”

‎ Describing the gathering as a shared space for reflection, growth, and empowerment, Professor Adejuyigbe emphasized the importance of transforming personal experiences into collective value. She noted that "storytelling creates opportunities for learning, connection, and lasting impact".

‎ Through a compelling personal narrative, she traced her journey from humble beginnings in Akoko to achieving remarkable milestones in academia and leadership—rising from a junior academic to a professor, becoming the first female Dean, and eventually Vice Chancellor.

She highlighted key lessons from her journey, including "embracing leadership roles before feeling fully prepared, choosing mentorship over isolation, and recognizing that being a trailblazer comes with the responsibility to create opportunities for others".

‎Earlier, In her opening remarks, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Memunat Olayemi Mahmud, described the theme as a call to intentional sharing. She explained that to give is to offer one’s story, wisdom, and lessons, while to gain is to grow and inherit insight without starting from scratch. She noted that when a woman openly shares her journey with another still rising, both are transformed. She urged participants to listen attentively, emphasizing that “wisdom is coming to find you.”

The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Professor Olugbenga Ige, stated that the gathering reflects the institution’s deliberate commitment to equity and inclusion. According to him, "any institution that fails to invest in the full potential of its members ultimately diminishes itself". He added that "AAUA has recorded a significant increase in the number of women occupying professional and leadership positions within the university".

Professor Ige also appreciated the Guest Lecturer, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, for honoring the invitation. He remarked that "her presence and openness about her journey serve as powerful inspiration to young women".

‎ Participants were further engaged with reflective questions on their strengths, influence, and ability to uplift others. The event concluded with a call to action for women to support one another and foster a culture of growth and inclusion within the university community.