Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema attended Academy Primary School Sapele, St. Ita’s Girls Grammar School Sapele, Idia College, Benin City and the University of Benin. Graduated with Second Class, Upper Division in Education(Chemistry) in 1982, a MSc in Organic Chemistry (1986) PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry (1997). Taught at Western Boys’ High School, Benin – City, Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Benin City (1987 – 1989) University of Benin and a sabbatical year at FUPRE.  A member of  the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Gender and Science and Technology (GASAT), Fellow, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Fellow, Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria (ICCON), Distinguished Alumnus, Uniben.
Co – published three books, contributed chapters in four other books and has over thirty  - five scientific articles and technical papers in local and international journals