Covenant University celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 with a thought-provoking event organized by the Faculty Women’s Advance, a group of female staff members at the university. The event, with the theme, "Accelerate Action: Mentorship and Women in the Workplace," featured an inspiring talk by Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Oyedepo, CEO of the Great Light Outreach Foundation, who delivered an enlightening and engaging presentation.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu, extended a warm welcome to the participants. He emphasized that Covenant University has always been a leader in empowering women, pointing to the University's history of female leadership across key roles, including Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Deans, Heads of Departments, and other senior positions. These women, he noted, have made invaluable contributions and excelled in their respective roles.

Professor Amodu reaffirmed the University's commitment to promoting the advancement of women, highlighting that Covenant University has long been dedicated to providing women with opportunities for growth and leadership. He also conveyed the Vice-Chancellor's apologies for not being present, but assured the audience that Professor Anake was attending virtually, and had sent his best wishes for the celebration.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Kemi Oyedepo, focused on the importance of mentorship in advancing women in the workplace. She explained that mentorship plays a critical role in career advancement, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to individuals seeking to progress in their careers. She shared an insightful perspective, referencing Proverbs 27:17, which states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another," underscoring the vital role mentors play in the development of others.

Dr. Oyedepo also referenced research showing that organizations with a strong mentorship culture tend to have higher employee engagement and retention rates. She emphasized the benefits of mentorship, including a 43% increase in organizations with more than 20 employees and a 20% increase in employee engagement levels.

To foster a supportive workplace culture, Dr. Oyedepo recommended Integrating mentorship into the organization's culture, Engaging men in women’s mentorship, Evaluating progress and Measuring the effectiveness of mentorship programs to ensure they are having a positive impact and lastly, developing a long-term strategy for women’s advancement.

By adopting these strategies, Dr. Oyedepo emphasized, organizations can foster a culture of inclusion and growth for all employees.

The Chairperson of Faculty Women’s Advance, Dr. Aderonke Asaolu, expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the event. She described the experience as both thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging the audience to continue advocating for mentorship as a key tool in advancing women in the workplace and society.

She concluded by urging everyone to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable environment, particularly for women.

The event’s highlights included the presentation of souvenirs to the guest speaker, Dr. Kemi Oyedepo, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu, as well as the presentation of the Faculty Women’s Advance (FWA) Lifetime Achievement Awards to Professor Mrs. Anthonia Adeniji and Professor Chinonye Love Moses.

Also present at the programme was the Dean of College of Business and Social Sciences, Professor Rowland Worlu and other invited guests.