Shell companies in Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other stakeholders, have significantly boosted educational resources in Nigerian universities by establishing state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers and a digital library. These projects, launched at three universities this year, underscore Shell’s commitment to supporting education and empowering future generations.
In April, Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), in collaboration with the NNPC and the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB), inaugurated a digital library at Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. In July, an ICT center was commissioned at Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State, as part of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Joint Venture with NNPC, TotalEnergies, and NAOC.
The latest milestone came last week when Shell and its partners, in collaboration with NCDMB, unveiled a cutting-edge engineering design studio and ICT hub at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). The facility includes two advanced engineering design studios and a fully equipped 100-seater ICT lecture hall with computers and smartboards, supported by dedicated power and water supplies. “This is Shell working to power lives in Nigeria,” said Osagie Okunbor, Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, SPDC. “The projects have changed the academic and physical landscapes in the three universities, linking students and lecturers to the global learning arena.”
FUTO’s selection for this project aligns with SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project’s goals of “institutional strengthening” within its operational area. Representatives from Imo State, including Governor Hope Uzodinma’s delegation, attended the unveiling. Speaking on behalf of the governor, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, 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 message, delivered by SPDC’s General Manager of External Relations, Igo Weli, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “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.”
NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged Nigerian institutions to prioritize advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies. “Our AI must understand Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, and other local languages,” he said, represented by Dr. Ama Ikuru, NCDMB’s Capacity Building Director. “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.”
Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, highlighted the project’s potential impact: “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,” he said, through Senior Advisor Stakeholder Relations, Mrs. Halimat Wilson.
Welcoming guests, FUTO Vice Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti thanked the project sponsors “for a landmark donation” to the university.
Shell Companies in Nigeria have supported education since the 1950s through scholarships and infrastructure projects, awarding thousands of scholarships and creating centers of excellence, sabbatical, and internship programs across universities. These latest initiatives further solidify Shell’s legacy in contributing to Nigeria’s educational and technological landscape.
