NNPC, SPDC donate ICT centre to Bauchi varsity to boost education
As part of their social responsibilities and community relations, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd and their Joint Venture partners, Total Energies and Nigeria Agip Oil Company with The Offshore Lab (TOL) constructed and donated an ultra-modern Information, Communication Centre (ICT) to the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZUG), Gadau.
In his remarks at the official handing over of the Centre at the Permanent Campus of the University in Gadau, Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Limited stressed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has always been a hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture (JV).
According to him, “For several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Today, the JV is in Bauchi to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau. This is indeed no mean feat and a milestone worthy of celebration.”
He added that,”Education has always been a cornerstone of societal development, and in today’s. world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an essential pillar that supports this foundation.”
Bala Wunti who was represented by Head, Business Services NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) Sani Kano added that, “At NUIMS-NNPC Ltd. we recognize this fact, and we continuously rally our partners to ensure that we give back to the society, our host communities and beyond to support the development of human capital and talent that will aspire to be the future of our industry.”
“On behalf of the management and staff of NUIMS and the NNPC-SPDC JV I would like to express deep appreciation to all those that contributed to making this project a success.”
He stressed that, “Our special appreciation goes to the Bauchi state Government, our royal father, the Emir of Bauchi, and the managerment of the Bauchi State University for the warm welcome we received and hospitality we enjoyed during the execution phase of the project.”
“We look forward to receiving maximum support and cooperation from the state governments, traditional institutions and host communities to guarantee the desired benefits are actualized in the interest of the nation.”
In his address, Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited & Country Shell Companies in Nigeria, Dr. Osagie Okunbor stated that,”To us, this is another very important Social Investment project completed by the PDC JV in North-East Nigeria.”
Represented by the GM, Corporate Relations, Shell Companies Nigeria, Mr. Igo Weli, Okunbor said, “Earlier this year, we inaugurated the Primary Hea entre (PHCC) at Dagare, in Yobe State. We have also completed two liv strengthening intervention programmes to support displaced families in Gujba, Yobe State, and Jere and Mafa in Borno State.”
He also expressed happiness that the collaboration of joint venture partners and the Bauchi State University has resulted in the success of the prooject, which is a social investment project that demonstrates the commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.
Other features of the facility include generator house, independent water KVa Generator, and a landscaped external environment fitted with a Bicycle d dedicated cycling path.
“During its construction, we engaged the services of several local contractors who played important roles in executing various scopes of work, ranging from supplies, craftsmanship, medical services, and scaffolding. This is a testar quality of experience in our host communities,” he added.
He specially expressed his appreciation to the NNPC Upstream Management Services (NNPC-NUIMS) team for the continued support, and venture partners Total Energies and Nigeria AGIP Oil Company for stan always in the different intervention programmes that we implement.
I thank the project implementers, The Offshore Lab; The QA/QC Consultant lobal Construction Company; and the Principal Officers of Bauchi State adau, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatima Tahir, for their tenacity in seeing this project through this far.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Fatima Tahir commended the partnership for the edifice which She said will go a long way in improving the quality of learning and teaching.
The VC assured that the facility will be used judiciously to achieve the set objectives of its donation to the University.
