Foundation Provides Laptop Computers, Cash To Underprivileged Undergraduate Students

BENIN – A group known as the Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Founda­tion has provided laptop computers and N250.000 cash prizes to indigent stu­dents at the University of Benin.

Eight indigent second­ary school students from various schools across the state were also empowered.

The students were each given N50,000 and oth­er school supplies. They are Paul Favour Ayemere (Queen Ede), Efosa Vic­tory (Emotan), Omoruyi Lauretta Osaiyekemwen (Emotan), Omobude Osa­sumwen Mirabel, and Ga­briel Favour.

During the award cer­emony, the foundation’s founder, Engr. Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili, stat­ed that the foundation’s goal is to support indigent students, particularly girls, who wish to attend school but face financial barriers.

According to Engr. Opene-Odili, the empow­ered Uniben undergrad­uates are at the 300 level, studying Petrol Chemical, while the other secondary school students are in SS1.

“Because of the value of education in our society, Opene-Odili believes that money should not be a bar­rier for children who want to attend school.”

Engr. Adebisi Osim, President of Professional Women Engineers of Nige­ria (APWEN), spoke on the theme “Inspiring the future of STEAM – Empowering indigent students through scholarship opportunity.”

She emphasised the im­portance of education in breaking the cycle of pover­ty and driving sustainable development globally.

She went on to say that many bright and talented young girls in our com­munities continue to face significant financial bar­riers that prevent them from pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engi­neering, Arts, and Mathe­matics (STEAM), but they are changing that narra­tive.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Eweka Ivie thanked the foundation for their assistance and prom­ised to justify the reason for which they were given.