Shell companies, in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other key stakeholders, have embarked on a transformative journey to enhance academic facilities in universities across the nation.
This year, they have successfully established Information Communication Technology (ICT) centers and a digital library in three prominent Nigerian universities, marking a new era in educational support and development.
In April, the Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and NNPC, alongside the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB), unveiled a state-of-the-art digital library at Niger Delta University, Amassoma, in Bayelsa State.
This initiative was followed by the commissioning of an ICT center at Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau, in Bauchi State, by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) in July.
This project was a part of a Joint Venture with NNPC, TotalEnergies, and NAOC, aiming to elevate the educational infrastructure and digital capabilities of these institutions.
The most recent endeavor occurred just last week at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where lecturers and students expressed their excitement as SPDC, NNPC, and other Joint Venture partners, in collaboration with NCDMB, launched world-class engineering design studios and an ICT hub. “This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria,” said Osagie Okunbor, the Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director of SPDC.
He emphasized, “The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities and linked the students and lecturers to the global learning arena.”
FUTO’s new facilities boast two cutting-edge engineering design studios and a fully furnished 100-seater ICT lecture hall, complete with computers, smartboards, and dedicated power and water supplies. Selected as part of “institutional strengthening” within the catchment area of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project, the facilities were inaugurated at a vibrant ceremony attended by Imo State Government representatives and university officials.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, lauded the initiative: “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, TotalEnergies, and NAOC JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.”
Addressing the gathering, Igo Weli, General Manager of External Relations at SPDC, conveyed Okunbor’s sentiments, celebrating the successful collaboration that underscores a shared commitment to enhancing access to quality education. Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged Nigerian institutions to embrace advancements in AI and other technologies, emphasizing the need for local languages to be integrated into AI systems.
NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, through Mrs. Halimat Wilson, highlighted the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation: “The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti, Vice Chancellor of FUTO, expressed her gratitude for the “landmark donation” and acknowledged the long-standing support of Shell Companies in Nigeria. Since the 1950s, Shell has been a stalwart supporter of education, offering scholarships, infrastructure, and various academic programs, thereby nurturing thousands of Nigerian students through its initiatives.
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