… Imaguero College tops competition
BENIN CITY — In a concerted effort to encourage girls to pursue careers in engineering and other science-based disciplines, the Osaide Foundation has organised a two-day “Next Gen Bootcamp” in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), in collaboration with the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists during the bootcamp themed, “Bright Minds, Bold Futures: Learn, Lead, Thrive,” the founder, Engr. Dr. Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili, disclosed that 50 students drawn from 10 girls’ schools across Edo State participated in the competition.
She explained that the initiative was designed, not as a monetary pursuit, but as a platform to spark interest in science among young girls, build their confidence, and expose them early to opportunities in engineering and related fields.
“I am the founder of Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation. My passion stems from my early years when career talks in schools were dominated by doctors, pharmacists and lawyers, with little or no representation from engineers,” she said.
Opene-Odili further recounted her experience studying engineering, noting that female students were significantly underrepresented.
“In a class of about 63 students, we were only two girls. That experience ignited my passion to bring more girls into the engineering profession,” she added.
She noted that even during her professional career prior to retirement, the number of women in engineering remained low, reinforcing the need for mentorship and deliberate support for young girls.
According to her, the foundation is focused on “catching them young,” especially indigent students, and providing them with opportunities to explore and excel in science.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Benin Chapter, Engr. Perpetual Oby Obeta, urged the participants to believe in their abilities and not be deterred by the male dominance in the engineering field.
She emphasised that success in engineering requires dedication, particularly in mathematics and other science subjects.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, encouraged the students to take full advantage of the competition to improve academically.
He urged them not to underestimate themselves, but to recognise their unique potential to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts.
Obanor commended the Osaide Foundation for the initiative and called for its sustainability to further promote interest in science among girls.
Speaking on behalf of the winning team, Angel Irhabor, an SS3 student of Imaguero College, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the opportunity to test their knowledge in core science subjects.
She noted that the exposure gained has boosted their confidence to participate in higher-level competitions beyond the state.
At the end of the competition, Imaguero College emerged the overall winner with 50 points, followed by Idia College with 44 points, while St. Maria Goretti secured third place with 43 points.
Opene-Odili announced that all 50 participants would receive consolation prizes valued at ₦25,000 each, while the 15 students from the top-performing schools would receive additional prizes worth ₦55,000 each.
