The Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN) of Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo Chapter joined forces with the global community to celebrate the 2025 International Women's Day. This momentous occasion honored women's relentless pursuit of equality and liberation, aligning with the women's rights movement. 

The theme for this year's celebration was "Accelerate Action", emphasizing the urgency of swift and decisive measures to address persistent gender disparities. The topic, "Work-Life Balance: A Holistic Approach" was explored, highlighting the importance of achieving equilibrium between professional and personal life. 

The Deputy Provost, Dr. B.A. Adebiyi, who represented the Provost, Dr. A.R. Salami delivered a heartfelt welcome address that highlighted the significance of women. He eloquently described women as "Salt that sweetens the earth,"emphasizing their vital role in bringing forth life and nurturing the society. 

Adebiyi acknowledged the profound impact women have on individuals' success, stating that behind every accomplished person is a woman who has played a pivotal role in their life. Thereafter, he declared the ceremony opened. 

The guest speaker, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju Asunmo, the pioneer Registrar, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo spoke extensively on the topic, Work-Life Balance: A Holistic Approach. Asunmo in her presentation emphasized the challenges of work-life balance as work place gender bias, limited flexibility and support system, societal expectations and guilt, mutual and physical health struggles, among others, and advocated the following as antidotes for achieving balance: Time management, setting boundaries, prioritize self-care, recreation, technology management, seek professional help and continuous learning and skill development. She concluded that with the aforementioned strategies, career women will not experience burnout, rather maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

The Registrar of the College, Mr. J.A. Araoye in his remarks highlighted the vital role women play in the society. He spoke passionately on women's role, describing women as indispensable, bringing vibrancy and color to life. Araoye commended the guest speaker, Mrs. Asunmo for her impressive presentation, noting that he was not expecting less from her given her antecedent. He praised her as an accomplished woman who has brought positive transformations to Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. 

Araoye concluded by applauding the Union's leadership for organizing the innovative event, and extended warm wishes to all women on International Women's Day. 

Comrade O.W. Omobosola, the SSUCOEN Chapter Chairman challenged the traditional notion of women being "weaker vessels". Instead, he emphasized their strength, wisdom, greatness and versatility, highlighting their remarkable ability to multitask and balance their careers and marital responsibilities.

Omobosola also underscored the significant multiplier effect women have on the society, demonstrating their immense value and contributions. He concluded his address with a rallying call to action, urging women to rise up and demand their rightful place in the society, rather than waiting for recognition. 

Comrade O. Elerewe, the chapter woman leader emphasized the programs' dual objectives, which is to acknowledge and appreciate women's invaluable contributions to the society, and to advocate for gender equality and recognition of women's rights. She urged the society to acknowledge women's progress, learn from successes and support them in achieving the desired change. 

The event also featured cake cutting, award presentation and panel discussion moderated by Mfon Enang of Directorate of Information and Public Relations, with panelists Dr. Anthonia Ajobiewe, Dr. Ruth Balogun, Mrs. Bolatito Adeniran, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Aremu-Oloke Ogunlade and Dr. Banke Olaojo. 

We wish the Women folk a Happy International Women's Day.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through TETFund has taken a proactive step to enhance the employability of graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions by establishing Career Service Centres across various tertiary institutions in Nigeria. These were said by the Deputy Provost, Dr. B.A. Adebiyi who represented the Provost, Dr. A.R. Salami at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop organized for career service centre staff and selected students of the College. 

Adebiyi noted that the career service centre will greatly benefit the students of the College as it will help bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with the necessary skills and support to thrive in the job market. He also described the initiative as impactful, since it will help sharpen and develop the skills of the Students. 

The Director, Career Service Centre, Mr. Lere Oladapo in his remarks outlined the key objectives of the centre as enhancing the employability of the College graduates beyond their academic qualifications, adding value to students course of study, boosting the relevance and attractiveness of academic programmes to prospective students and the public, as well as enhancing employability of students through robust and effective interaction with professional and industry leaders. 

The Registrar, Mr. J.A. Araoye in his goodwill message expressed delight for the newly established centre. In his words, "this initiative marks a return to the traditional approach to education, where graduates were equipped with practical skills that made them employable and self reliant, rather than solely relying on their certificates". He concluded by wishing the participants a fruitful and productive deliberation. 

Dr. O.O. Adeniyi, Director, IQAC also in her goodwill message praised the Federal Government for their efforts to enhance graduate employability and self sufficiency. She encouraged students to capitalize on this opportunity, emphasizing its potential to positively impact their lives. 

The workshop had in attendance TETFund officials, Dr. Niyi Afolabi, Dr. Prosper Efiomayi, Deans of Schools, Directors, and heads of unit/department in the College.

The College Provost Congratulates the Alaafin.