WORDOC: Prof Bolanle Awe, Adebowale, others seek inclusive future for Nigerian children

The Women Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC), Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, has called for greater inclusion of children in conversations and initiatives shaping the future of society.

The call was made at the 2026 WORDOC Children’s Summit, held at the University of Ibadan, with the theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion.”

The summit brought together boys and girls between the ages of eight and 16, alongside their parents, academics, professionals and other stakeholders, to provide a platform for children to learn, express themselves and engage with issues affecting their development and future.

The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, and the pioneer Coordinator of WORDOC, Professor Bolanle Awe, among other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Institute of African Studies, Professor Sola Olorunyomi, expressed appreciation to Professor Awe, the Vice-Chancellor, participating children and their parents for identifying with the summit.

Olorunyomi also commended the current Coordinator of WORDOC, Dr Abiola V. Ayodokun, for building on the work and legacy of previous coordinators of the centre.

He said the continued organisation of programmes such as the children’s summit demonstrated the commitment of WORDOC and the Institute of African Studies to creating platforms where young people could acquire knowledge, develop confidence and participate meaningfully in discussions about society.

He particularly thanked the parents for allowing their children to participate, noting that meaningful inclusion required the collective efforts of families, educational institutions and society.

The summit also featured a keynote address delivered by Dr Sade Taiwo, who engaged the children on issues connected with the theme of the programme and the importance of preparing young people for the future.

Another major component of the programme was a session on mental health and stigmatisation, facilitated by Mrs Akinluyi Oluwakemi.

The session exposed the participants to the importance of understanding mental health, seeking appropriate support and avoiding the stigmatisation of people experiencing mental and emotional challenges.

Participants also took part in breakout sessions facilitated by APIN, providing opportunities for more interactive engagement and learning.

The summit further featured an African storytelling session by Mr Kunle Idowu, which provided the children with an opportunity to connect with African narratives, culture and traditions through storytelling.

The organisers said the combination of academic engagement, mental health awareness, interactive sessions and storytelling was designed to give the children a broad learning experience while encouraging them to see themselves as active participants in shaping their communities.

The programme was moderated by Mrs Foluke Owolabi of UMC, Diamond Radio.

The presence of Professor Awe, one of the pioneers associated with WORDOC, and Professor Adebowale, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, added significance to the gathering, which underscored the importance of investing in children and creating inclusive spaces for their voices.

The summit also reinforced the need to move beyond discussions about children as beneficiaries of development to recognising them as stakeholders whose ideas, experiences and aspirations should be considered in building a more inclusive society.

Through the “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion” theme, WORDOC used the platform to draw attention to the need for children to be equipped with the knowledge, confidence and support required to navigate the challenges of the present while preparing for the responsibilities of the future.

The 2026 Children’s Summit therefore provided not only an avenue for learning and interaction but also a platform for encouraging young participants to understand their rights, value their experiences and appreciate their potential contributions to society.