A state-of-the-art learning center and digital library were inaugurated on Thursday at the Niger Delta University in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, signaling a significant step towards revolutionizing e-learning and technology-driven education and research at the university.
Funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), its co-venture partners, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the project received accolades from stakeholders across the Niger Delta region.
Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, expressed his appreciation for the project, describing it as a significant boost for the Niger Delta University. Speaking through his Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri assured of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with NNPC/SNEPCo on other development initiatives.
Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, commended the collaborative effort behind the project, referring to it as a “landmark project.” Elohor Aiboni, Managing Director of SNEPCo, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project as a testament to what can be achieved through unity of purpose.
Representing the NCDMB, Omatsola Egbe emphasized the importance of the project in producing quality graduates for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and advancing Nigerian content development.
Bala Wunti, Chief Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), underscored the significance of the partnership in creating a resource that will benefit the community for years to come.
Professor Allen Agih, Vice Chancellor of the university, expressed gratitude to NNPC, SNEPCo, and the co-venture partners for providing an iconic facility that will enhance teaching and learning at the institution.
The newly inaugurated structure features three floors, housing a fully equipped digital library and a collaborative learning center. Local contractors played pivotal roles in various aspects of the project, and onsite training provided valuable experience to 24 individuals from the Niger Delta University in complex engineering works.
The social investment initiatives of NNPC, SNEPCo, and their co-venture partners have significantly impacted various sectors, including support for education, healthcare, and community development, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
