YEI Foundation, Quality Assurance Department Mark IWD, Highlight Women’s Role in Development

YEI Foundation, Quality Assurance Department Mark IWD, Highlight Women’s Role in Development

The Young Entrepreneur and Innovative Foundation (YEIF) in partnership with the Department of Quality Assurance, Education Secretariat, has joined the global community to commemorate International Women's Day, emphasizing the vital role women play in education, leadership, and national development.

The sensitization and recognition programme, held at the department’s headquarters, brought together women professionals, civil society actors, and media representatives to reflect on the significance of the global celebration observed annually on March 8.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs Alayande Hajarat Titilayo, described the celebration as an important opportunity to recognize the achievements of women and renew commitments toward gender inclusion, mentorship, and empowerment.

According to her, the observance of International Women’s Day goes beyond ceremonial activities, serving as a platform to highlight the contributions of women across different sectors and encourage policies and initiatives that support their growth.

Hajarat noted that women remain central to societal progress, stressing that nations that prioritize women’s empowerment often experience faster and more sustainable development.

She explained that the Department of Quality Assurance, which is responsible for regulating and maintaining education standards within the Secretariat, reflects this commitment through its workforce, where women constitute a significant percentage of staff members.

According to the Director, the department has nearly 300 female staff working in different capacities, with many occupying strategic leadership and decision-making positions.

“This gathering is not only about celebration but also about reflection,” she said. “It is a reminder that women are powerful agents of change, and when they are supported and empowered, the benefits extend to families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”

She emphasized the importance of mentorship and knowledge transfer in sustaining the progress made by women in various professions. Encouraging female staff to support one another, she urged experienced professionals to guide younger women entering the workforce.

“As women, we must continue to give our time, knowledge, and experience to younger people. By mentoring and empowering them, we are securing a better future for society,” she stated.

The Director also commended civil society organizations for their role in advocating for community development and amplifying the voices of citizens.

According to her, non-governmental organizations often bridge the gap between institutions and communities by initiating programmes that promote inclusion, capacity building, and social progress.

“NGOs are the voice of the community. In areas where institutions may not have the reach, they often step in with the energy and commitment needed to make a difference,” she said.

Reflecting on the advancement of young women, Olayede shared an experience from a recent programme she attended at Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, where students were honoured for outstanding achievements in sports in collaboration with the National Sports Commission of Nigeria.

She noted that all six students who received awards during the programme were girls, describing the development as a positive sign for the advancement of young women in Nigeria.

“It was inspiring to see young girls being celebrated for excellence. It shows that with the right support and encouragement, girls can excel in any field they choose,” she said.

The event also featured introductions from members of the visiting team, including Amb. Dr. Peace Ofeoshi, the National Coordinator of the Young Entrepreneur and Innovative Foundation and Publisher of GreenLand News Magazine, alongside representatives from several media platforms.

Participants used the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges faced by women in their professional journeys, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration toward empowering women and building stronger communities.

As part of the programme, two staff members — Dr. Olusunle Olufumilayo and Dr. Solomon Shekara — were honoured for their dedication and contributions to the department and the education sector.

Hajarat explained that the awardees had earlier been nominated in 2025 but were unable to attend the main award ceremony at the time, making the International Women’s Day gathering a fitting opportunity to formally recognize their service.

She added that recognition through awards serves as motivation for individuals to continue contributing their best to institutional and national development.

The programme concluded with a call on women to remain resilient, continue supporting one another, and sustain the spirit of mentorship and service as they contribute to national growth and community development.