The National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Lagos State Chapter, has taken a significant step toward expanding opportunities for female students after securing commitments for internship consideration and educational visits during a partnership meeting with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The delegation, led by Vice Chairperson Comrade Adelaja Azanat Abosede, paid a familiarization and partnership visit to LASWA, where discussions focused on creating more opportunities for young women in tertiary institutions across Lagos State, particularly those pursuing maritime-related courses.
The team was received by Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA.
Internship Opportunities for Maritime Students
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was NFSAN’s advocacy for female students studying maritime-related disciplines to be considered for internship placements within LASWA whenever opportunities become available.
According to the association, LASWA assured the delegation that qualified female students would receive consideration whenever internship spaces exist.
The move is expected to provide aspiring professionals with practical industry experience while encouraging greater female participation in Lagos’ growing blue economy sector.
Educational Visit Approved
The meeting also produced another breakthrough, as LASWA approved NFSAN’s request to organize an educational tour for female student delegates from tertiary institutions across Lagos State.
The proposed visit will expose students to the state’s waterways management system, maritime operations, and career opportunities within the sector.
NFSAN described the initiative as an important platform for inspiring young women to explore careers in the maritime industry.
LASWA to Support Girl Child Initiative
Beyond career development, the two organisations also discussed collaboration on NFSAN’s upcoming International Day of the Girl Child programme scheduled for October 11.
The initiative will be implemented across selected secondary schools in Lagos State and will focus on empowering girls through distribution of school essentials, Menstrual hygiene sensitization, Reproductive health awareness and Leadership and empowerment engagement.
NFSAN welcomed LASWA’s willingness to support the outreach programme, describing it as a boost for efforts aimed at improving the wellbeing of girls in schools.
NFSAN Commends LASWA
Speaking after the meeting, Vice Chairperson Comrade Adelaja Azanat Abosede expressed appreciation to Mr. Damilola Emmanuel for what she described as a warm reception and openness to collaboration.
She said the association remains committed to building a sustainable relationship with LASWA that will create more opportunities for female students to learn, develop leadership skills, and access professional networks.
“Together, we can create more opportunities for the girl child and build a future where every female student has the opportunity to lead and succeed,” she said.
The partnership aligns with ongoing efforts to encourage greater participation of women in education, leadership, and emerging sectors such as the blue economy, while strengthening support systems for female students across Lagos State.
