Women scientists and thought leaders have renewed calls for increased female representation in the technology sector and stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive ethical innovation and inclusive development.
The call was made at the 7th Biennial International Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigerian National Chapter, held at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). The event featured a Triple Helix Leadership Summit sponsored by the Schlumberger Foundation.
Delivering a plenary lecture titled “The Role of Women: Leaders in Ethical Innovation,” Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Professor Stella Chiemeke decried the underrepresentation of women in the technology ecosystem.
Quoting data from the African Union, Professor Chiemeke revealed that women account for less than 10 percent of tech professionals in Africa. She also cited UNESCO data showing that globally, women make up only 28 percent of the tech workforce, and just 22 percent of ICT professionals in Nigeria.
“Women must no longer be relegated to the margins of technological innovation,” she said. “They should be at its core—leading ethically, inclusively, and with integrity.” She stressed the importance of early mentorship, targeted policy interventions, and support systems that encourage girls and women to pursue STEM careers.
Chiemeke also charged policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions to build inclusive environments where women are not just participants but key drivers of technological change. “Our collective future depends on women having visible voices in the rooms where innovations are conceived and policies are made,” she added.
In her remarks, Professor Kehinde Taiwo of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, emphasized the need for women to maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Career success should not come at the cost of family well-being,” she advised.
The Triple Helix Summit, a major feature of the conference, brought together representatives from universities, industries, government, and nonprofit organizations to explore how cross-sector collaboration can spur innovation and economic growth.
Speaking at the summit, Professor Edu Inam, Chairperson of Nigeria Women in STEM (NWiSTEM), who represented Capella Festa, President of the Board of Directors, Schlumberger Foundation, said innovation must be localized. “We need to adapt and evolve our approaches to meet the unique needs of our regions and industries,” she noted, adding that collaboration can unlock new industries, startups, and jobs.
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Folashade Olajuyigbe, highlighted the summit’s objective. “In the 21st century, innovation is no longer a solo act. The Triple Helix framework recognizes it as a dynamic, multi-stakeholder process,” she said.
Professor Ayo Ajayi, who leads the Bank of Industry (BOI) Innovation Fund Committee, delivered a keynote titled “The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration.” He emphasized that synergy among universities, industries, and governments is essential to fast-track product development, attract investment, and solve global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Director of the International Strategy Office, Professor Bamidele Akinyele, encouraged attendees to continue leveraging the Triple Helix model to expand innovation ecosystems.
The summit’s high point was a panel discussion themed “Leading Together: Innovation at the Intersection.” Panelists included Mrs. Funmilayo Ade-Ojo, President of the Akure Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (representing industry); Professor Mary Olowookere, former Shell Professorial Chair at OAU (academia); and Prince Ileola Adegoroye (representing the Ondo State Government).
The conference reaffirmed the vital role women can play in reshaping Africa’s technological landscape—if given the tools, opportunities, and platforms to lead.
