Blog

📍 University of Benin, Benin City
📅 May 9, 2025
🎒 Organised by the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF)

What happens when you take 12 junior secondary school girls on a tour of a university campus for the very first time?

For us at GAF, the answer came to life on May 9, 2025 — when the Girls in Career Boost (GCB) STEM Foundation programme brought its second quarter participants to the University of Benin for an unforgettable exposure tour. And yes, we saw jaws drop, dreams stretch, and ambitions take flight.

This wasn’t just a school trip. It was a window into the future — one where girls from Benin City could imagine themselves as engineers, computer scientists, medical researchers, and more.

🧭 Stepping Into University Life

The day kicked off at the UNIBEN Main Auditorium, where GAF’s team welcomed the girls with smiles, energising icebreakers, and “University Goal Cards” — a fun activity where each girl wrote down what she hoped to learn, see, and dream about during the tour.

With ambassadors guiding the way, the girls moved through key departments that opened their minds and sparked new possibilities.

🧮 Where It All Happened

Mathematics Department

Led by Prof. Francis Osagiede, this session demystified maths and made it feel like a powerful tool — not a scary subject. The girls listened closely as he spoke about mentorship, financial empowerment, and the role of female mathematicians in global development.

Computer Science

Inside buzzing computer labs, students got a taste of what it means to build technology. They interacted with undergraduates, explored digital tools, and gained an insider’s view of computer science in action.

Engineering Faculty

This was a clear favourite! Faculty executives and student leaders shared their journeys, encouraging the girls to own their space in STEM. It was emotional, motivational, and deeply affirming.

🏫 Exploring the Campus

From classroom blocks to hostels, from the iconic John Harris Library to the Faculty of Medical Science, the girls soaked in the vibe of university life. They even stopped by Student Affairs, Bukka, and other landmark spots — places that once felt distant but now seemed possible.

They asked bold questions. They took notes. They imagined themselves in those lecture halls — not one day, but soon.

💬 What the Girls Said

“Now I understand the difference between faculties and departments.” – Amanda, future Mathematician

“I want to be a gynecologist because of what I learned today.” – Adeola, future gynecologist

“This tour has motivated me to pursue a career in medical science!” – Emilia, future pediatrician

These weren’t just reflections — they were declarations.

🎯 What We Achieved

• Real Exposure to university systems, departments, and STEM career options
• Hands-On Mentorship from professors and faculty leaders
• Confidence Building through open dialogue and on-site learning
• Career Redirection — with many girls adjusting their goals after what they saw

📸 Some Unforgettable Moments

• Girls standing proud behind the Medical Sciences signboard
• Group photos with the Director of Social, Faculty of Engineering
• Moments with Prof. Osagiede at the Mathematics Department
• Wide-eyed wonder inside the Computer Science lab

👣 What’s Next?

We’re not stopping here.
✔️ We’ll strengthen our mentorship support with faculty and STEM ambassadors
✔️ Expand to more universities and institutions across the state
✔️ Add hands-on STEM experiments during tours to increase engagement

🙏 Special Thanks

We’re grateful to all the faculty mentors, ambassadors, and the GAF team who made this day powerful and inspiring. You didn’t just open doors — you opened minds.

🌐 Stay Connected

This is just the beginning. GAF remains committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM by investing in the dreams of girls — one tour, one workshop, one bold conversation at a time.

👉 To support or partner with us on future GCB STEM tours, email us!