Bridging the skills gap through postgraduate scholarships
In its continued effort to address the issue of short fall in skills gap noticed in some key areas of the economy, The Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL), in production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has awarded international postgraduate scholarships to 12 Nigerians to study Engineering and Geosciences in some universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America.
The scheme which is in line with the company’s plan to train and develop qualified Nigerians to fill positions within and outside the organisation has since inception seen 123 Nigerian graduates awarded scholarships.
Udom Inoyo, executive director, Mobil Producing Nigeria while speaking during the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries in Lagos said the event was in continuation of the company’s commitment to corporate citizenship, as well as its dedication to growing capacity among Nigerian youths.
Inoyo observed that the Nigerian educational system faces several challenges, especially at the tertiary level.
“At EEPNL, we are doing what we can to help; by offering these international post graduate awards to qualified students, we give them the opportunity to further their educational goals in an environment free of some of the challenges we are presently facing here.
“Today’s event is indicative of our commitment to corporate citizenship in its recognition of the potential of the nation’s youth”
The scholarships which covers tuition, books, feeding and living expenses for the period of the programmes is part of the
Oladotun Isiaka, General Manager, operations, deep water Nigeria EEPNL who represented general manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), said the gesture underscored the commitment of NNPC and Esso and the co-venture SNEPCO to the effective development of education in the country with emphasis on engineers and geoscientists
Isiaka described the scholarship scheme as competitive and aims to recruit, train, build capacity in and develop qualified Nigerians to fill positions in the oil and gas industry, in keeping with the federal government’s aspiration to significantly increase national content in the industry at all levels.
While congratulating the beneficiaries, he said, “I urge all of you to be good ambassadors as you resume at your respective universities. Acquit yourselves creditably and make this investment in you worthwhile.”
Emmanuel Dibiagwu, one of the awardees who responded on behalf of the scholars (awardees) to the scholarship sponsors (Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited EEPNL and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC said it is a privilege and great joy.
According to him, “I appreciate the scholarship committee, public and government affairs unit and the management in general for finding us worthy to invest in us thereby creating a niche for us to explore and develop our potentials. It’s been a very competitive process from the computer based test through the interview stages and we’ve been selected to advance our career on this platform.
He congratulated all and urged them to excel in all that they do and make excellence their culture. “I encourage you all to be the best you can be having in mind that you are not only flying the flag of the nation”
KELECHI EWUZIE