In an effort to ensure that education and learning programmes in Nigeria meet the requisite international standard, Shell companies in Nigeria said they have concluded plans to build Information and Communication Technology centres (ICT), as well as Digital Libraries in the Nigerian Universities. They will be partnering with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), NCDMB and other stakeholders in this engagement.
It would be recalled that in April this year, Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), with NNPC and the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) launched a digital library at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma in Bayelsa State, while an ICT Centre was commissioned at the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State in July, by the Dutch Company – Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), also as part of a Joint Venture – with NNPC, TotalEnergies and NAOC.
Just a couple of days ago, at the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) in Owerri, Imo State, Lecturers and Students went agog as SPDC and its Joint Venture Partners – NNPCL, with NCDMB unveiled a World-class Engineering Designing Studios alongside a befitting ICT hub at the institution. “This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria,” says Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, SPDC, Osagie Okunbor. “The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities, linking the students and lecturers to the global learning arena.”
The facilities at the federal university in Owerri included two state-of-the-art engineering design studios, and a fully furnished 100-seater ICT lecture hall, equipped with computers and smartboards, with dedicated power and water supplies. FUTO was selected for the project as part of the “institutional strengthening” in the catchment area of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project. The launching ceremony was attended by representatives of the Imo State Government and principal officers of the university.
The government of Imo State, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi said: “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, 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.”
Okunbor’s address at the commissioning was read by General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, who also conveyed Okunbor’s message of satisfaction and joy in the following words: “The collaboration of SPDC, Joint Venture Partners – NCDMB, and FUTO has resulted in this successful social investment project that demonstrates our commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.”
The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, also called on Nigerian institutions to domesticate the advancements in AI and other technologies. Represented by Dr. Ama Ikuru, Director in charge of Capacity Building he said: “Our AI must understand Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, and other local languages. We must leapfrog the innovations of other nations and become a net exporter of advanced technology to achieve the lofty ideals of Nigerian content development.”
Also speaking, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti, represented by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations Mrs Halimat Wilson said: “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed. 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.”
The Vice Chancellor (FUTO), Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti also thanked the sponsors for what she called “a landmark donation” to the university.
Shell and its affiliates in Nigeria also recalled how they have been promoting education since the 1950s through scholarships and other initiatives, efforts which according to them, have resulted in the award of thousands of secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship awards. This is while providing educational infrastructure and establishment of sabbatical and internship programmes, as well as centres of excellence in several universities.