Business News of Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Source: www.mynigeria.com

NNPC partners oil company to grant UK, Canada, other scholarships

Mele Kyari Mele Kyari

Under its 2024/2025 Scholarship Awards Scheme, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), a subsidiary of Eni, in partnership with NNPC Limited and NAE PSC, has awarded scholarships to 30 Nigerian graduates for postgraduate studies at universities in Nigeria and abroad.

This initiative enables recipients to pursue their aspirations and achieve professional goals. According to The Guardian, 10 beneficiaries will study at universities in the UK and Canada, while the rest will pursue postgraduate programs in Nigeria in fields such as engineering, geosciences, petroleum and environmental technology, renewable energy, and petroleum law.

During a ceremony in Abuja honoring the scholars, NAE Vice Chairman and Managing Director Fabrizio Bolondi commended the recipients. He emphasized the scholarship's role in fostering education, innovation, and progress in Nigeria, urging beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies to maximize the program’s benefits.

“The award ceremony highlights our continuous commitment to the future of education, innovation, and progress in Nigeria, and it is a moment of pride for the company to recognize the incredible talent and dedication of the scholars,” Bolondi said.

NAE PSC introduced the postgraduate fellowship program in 2007 to address the skills gap in specialized disciplines relevant to deep offshore oil and gas activities in Nigeria. Since its inception, the program has supported 320 graduates, equipping them with the expertise required for the sector.

Beyond scholarships, NAE has spearheaded numerous sustainability initiatives in Nigeria. These include projects targeting stakeholder empowerment, infrastructure development, health, education, and access to water.

To alleviate water scarcity in communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in North-East Nigeria, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) partnered with the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja to establish 22 integrated water schemes for irrigation and domestic use.

Additionally, NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies recently invited Nigerian graduates to apply for international master’s degree scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. The program offers Nigerian students the chance to pursue advanced degrees in France, fostering global learning opportunities.