Shell Explains Scholarship Scheme

Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) says its scholarship scheme is designed to bridge educational unequalities, promote access to education and enhance literacy in the Niger Delta region.

The scheme tagged cradle-to-Career (C2C) will help in the development of human resources and foster the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals on Education in the oil bearing region.

This was the position of the managing director, SPDC and the Country Chair of Shell company in Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu represented by Woji  Weli while delivering an address at the closing ceremony of the NNPC/Shell-JV 2011 C2C Secondary School Scholarship Scheme Orientation in Port Harcourt last week.

He pointed out that the C2C Sheme was recognised as a landmark educational initiative by the UN Secretary when it was showcased at the July 2011 United Nations Innovation air in Geneva, Switzerland.

In the run off scheme, 60 boys and girls were selected, 20 from each community primary school in SPDC’s operational areas. The pupils selected wrote a test and the top twenty scorers from the schools were awarded the scholarship and care was taken to reach bright and indigent pupils.

After selection, SPDC secured admission for them in three top secondary schools in Port Harcourt with boarding facilities.

Describing education as the bedrock of a nation’s growth and development, Mr. Sunmonu said the NNPC/Shell joint venture believes in it, adding “we don’t just believe it, we act on it and that is why for several decades, we have supported education in our operational areas and the country as a whole.

Also speaking, the group general manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Morison. A. Fiodi represented by Sefiya Hamisu described the C2C as a laudable programme, saying that NNPC had always supported the programme because it believes that education does not just transform the lives and future of children but transforms the entire nation.

Vivian-Peace Nwinaene