By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A group on the aegis of Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation, has empowered indigenous indigent students from the University of Benin (Uniben) with laptops and cash prizes of N250.000 each.
Also empowered, were eight indigent secondary school students from various schools in the state.
The students were given N50.000 each and other schools materials. They are Paul Favour Ayemere (Queen Ede), Efosa Victory (Emotan), Omoruyi Lauretta Osaiyekemwen (Emotan), Omobude Osasumwen Mirabel (Imaguero) and Gabriel Favour (Imaguero)
Speaking at the award given ceremony, the founder of the foundation, Engr. Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili said the foundation’s objectives is to encourage indigent students especially the girl-child who wants to go to school but is being frustrated due to lack of funds.
Engr. Opene-Odili said the Uniben undergraduates that have been empowered are in their 300 level respectively, studying Petrol Chemical while the other secondary school students are in SS1.
Opene-Odili said funds should not be a barrier to children who want to go to school because of the importance of education in our society.
On her part, the President of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. Adebisi Osim, while speaking on the theme: “Inspiring the future of STEAM -Empowering indigent students through scholarship opportunity”, said across the world, education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and driving sustainable development.
She said however, many bright and talented young girls in our communities still face significant financial barriers that hinder their dreams of pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) but today, they are changing that narrative.
Engr. Osim said through this initiative, they are lighting the path for the next generation of female engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders.
Osim added that by investing in these young minds, they are not only securing their future but also strengthening the future of engineering and technology in Nigeria.
She said APWEN has always championed the cause of women in engineering, and they recognize that creating opportunities for young girls to access quality education is fundamental to achieving gender parity in our profession.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Eweka Ivie, thanked the foundation for their helping hands and promised that they are going to justify the purpose for which they were given.
