The History of the Foundation
Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation was envisioned in the year 2018 and incorporated July 18th, 2019 with the aim to provide scholarships for young girls and some boys in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in Edo State and across the six (6) Geo-political zones in Nigeria.
The aim is to promote and enhance education, access and opportunities in the STEAM fields, especially for underrepresented communities. The scholarship program started in February 14, 2020 with 7 outstanding girls from four(4) public Secondary Schools at senior level, two (2) undergraduates and one (1) post graduate from the University of Benin, Faculty of Engineering in Benin City. This program takes place on February 14th every year to change the narrative of what love means on Valentine’s Day.
Our Mission
At Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation, our mission is to:
i. Provide educational opportunities for young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
ii Provide educational materials for young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM).
iii. Promote and advance moral education, support young people interested in science and engineering.
iv. Support to public tertiary Institutions around the Nation in collaboration with partners in providing equipment for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and (STEAM) Education.
v. Work in alliance with Local and International Organizations, donors and other foundations with similar objectives in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
Our Vision
Preparing a future for indigent girls and some boys in the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) space.
About The Founder - Engr. Dr (Mrs.) Patricia Opene-Odili
Engr. Dr. Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili FNSE, FNICE, FNIM, FICiarb is the Founder of Osaide for Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation, Past President of APWEN and founding member of Women in Energy Network (WIEN).She is an active member, and sometimes Exco member, of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE),Past Member of the Board of Trustees of NSE (BOT), the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Institute of Construction Industries Arbitrators(ICiarb), American Association of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb.), Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD),founding member of Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) where she was President for 2004/2005 session and currently a member of Council. She is also the Pioneer President of ExxonMobil Women Interest Network in Nigeria (WINN) and past Chairman of the Unilag Alumni Lagos branch – Oil & Gas sector.
Patricia Nekpen was born and raised in Lagos and a member of the Prestigious Benin Royal Family. She is a resourceful, dynamic, energetic, intellectually savvy and a doting mother. She is a mentor, teacher, caregiver and a leading light in the Oil and Gas Industry and has always demonstrated an inspirational leadership. She also takes time out to relax, read and travel. She plays Tennis and carries out work out exercises as hobbies. She is an active member of Ikoyi Club 1938. She is a devoted and God-fearing Christian.