The Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has urged the female folks, women, to embrace mentorship, resilience, and authenticity as key tools for personal growth and leadership advancement.

While stressing the need for women to turn personal experiences into collective value, Adejuyigbe stressed that the understanding that being a trailblazer in a male-dominated field means creating opportunities for others.

The vice-chancellor made the appeal at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), while delivering the keynote lecture at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, which was organised by the Centre for Gender Studies and Development.

With Adejuyigbe speaking on the theme “Give to Gain: A Storytelling Approach in Mentorship” at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the institution, she described the occasion as a shared space for reflection, growth, and empowerment.

Adejuyigbe, who narrated her personal story, traced her journey from humble beginnings in Akoko in the northern part of Ondo State to notable achievements in academia and leadership.

According to the vice-chancellor, her rise from a junior academic to a professor, her time as the first female dean, and her current position as vice-chancellor served as important lessons from her path.

The director of the centre, Dr Memunat Olayemi Mahmud, stated that giving means offering one’s story, wisdom, and lessons, while gaining involves growing and inheriting insights without starting over.

She noted that when a woman shares her journey with another who is still growing, both benefit, urging participants to imbibe and utilize the such success stories.

On his part, Prof Olugbenga Ige, the Vice Chancellor of AAUA, stated that the gathering showed the institution’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

He pointed out that any institution that fails to invest in its members’ full potential ultimately shortchanges itself, adding that AAUA has seen a rise in the number of women in professional and leadership roles.