Future Of Innovation At Risk As Women Scientists Demand Bigger Role In Tech

At a recent summit held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), leading women scientists and policy advocates emphasized the urgent need for greater representation of women in the technology space and stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

According to iReporter Online, the conference was part of the 7th Biennial International Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigerian National Chapter.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled “The Role of Women: Leaders in Ethical Innovation”, Professor Stella Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, expressed concern over the persistent underrepresentation of women in Africa’s technology ecosystem.

Drawing on data from the African Union and UNESCO, she revealed that women make up less than 10 percent of tech professionals across Africa, only 28 percent globally, and just 22 percent in Nigeria’s ICT sector. She called for urgent policy interventions, mentorship programs, and support systems to bridge this gender divide.

Professor Chiemeke asserted that women must not be peripheral participants but central figures in shaping technological futures, insisting that inclusive innovation is critical to national progress.

According to iReporter Online, the summit featured a Triple Helix Leadership session supported by the Schlumberger Foundation, drawing representatives from government, academia, and industry.

The Chairperson of Nigeria Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (NWiSTEM), Professor Edu Inam, speaking on behalf of Capella Festa of the Schlumberger Foundation, emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is vital for the development of new industries and economic sustainability.

She noted that innovation ecosystems, when strategically nurtured, could address global challenges such as poverty, healthcare, and climate change.

In her opening remarks, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of FUTA (represented by Professor Bamidele Akinyele), encouraged participants to fully leverage the Triple Helix model—an integrated innovation framework uniting universities, industries, and governments.

The Local Organizing Committee Chairperson, Professor Folashade Olajuyigbe, echoed this sentiment, stressing that innovation today demands collective action and intersectoral coordination to navigate modern complexities.

Professor Ayo Ajayi, Lead for the Bank of Industry (BOI) Innovation Fund, delivered a keynote address on “The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration”.

He pointed out that when universities, industries, and governments work in synergy, they create innovation ecosystems that stimulate local economies, attract investment, and foster skill development across disciplines.

The high point of the summit, according to iReporter Online, was a robust panel discussion titled “Leading Together: Innovation at the Intersection.” It featured Mrs. Funmilayo Ade-Ojo from the Akure Chamber of Commerce, Professor Mary Olowookere of Obafemi Awolowo University, and Prince Ileola Adegoroye representing the Ondo State Government.

Each panelist highlighted the imperative of unified efforts in driving ethical innovation and creating inclusive opportunities for women in science and technology.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”