SPDC: Raising Bar Of Academic Excellence

It was a moment of ec
stasy, excitement, emotions and a celebration of excellence as the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) hosted a dinner recently in honour of ten successful Niger Delta Postgraduates who returned after one year of sojourn at the world acclaimed first class universities;  Imperial College London (ICL), University College London (UCL) and University of Leeds.
The fourth batch (2013/2014) of the company’s Postgraduate scholarship awards were 10, six were male while four were ladies. Eight were from Delta State (the Big Heart of the Nation) and two were from Rivers State (Treasure Base of the Nation).
Apart from being Niger Delta persons, the beneficiaries had one thing in common, they were amongst the best in their graduate studies in Nigerian and Ghanaian universities just as they also defended their high fly status in London. They were the pride of Nigeria, particularly in our present time when so much moral and academic oddities ooze out from the nation’s Ivory Towers.
At a particular session of the dinner when each of the beneficiaries was called upon to narrate their individual experiences in respect of the scheme, the outflow was a blend of surprises, apathy and confirmation of fairness in the selection process adopted by the company.
A graduate of Geology from Delta State University Mr. Ejairu Ovomain Kingseley, said when his friends informed him of Shell’s publication of the Post graduate scheme, he approached it with mixed feelings.
Though he was academically qualified with Second Class Upper grade, but how could he begin to bother himself applying for foreign scholarship when he knew nobody from Shell to facilitate things for him?
However, when his friends gave him more prompting, he obliged and casually applied. But to his greatest surprise, after the processes, he got the award. He said the dream of going to Imperial College London for his postgraduate studies could have taken 20 years of his father’s monthly salary, yet Shell gave it to him on a platter of gold and paid 100 per cent financial requirements. His narrative was emotional actualization of a near-impossible dream.
Account of other beneficiaries were similar and beneficiary after beneficiary confirmed the transparency of the process. They showered SPDC with praises for the process and honour done to them remarking that such honour had changed their lives.
Another beneficiary who came out with first class in Applied Geophysics from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt,  Mr. Oruambo Jeffrey, said the circumstance surrounding the award had changed his mindset in life.
“It has removed doubts and persimism from me. Today with hardwork, I can venture without fear into anything  good,” he said, adding that, “Shell has through the transparency in selection proved to me that merit counts”.
From the accounts given by the beneficiaries, one fact remains clear; that distraction is one major factor responsible for the poor performance of students.
According to Ejairu Kingsley, while some students in the London University were struggling to meet up with financial and other requirements, the beneficiaries concentrated fully on their studies since Shell had paid for everything. This most probably resulted in their coming out in flying colours.
This case may not be the same with most Nigerians studying in the country as they struggle to meet up with tuition fees, handout, lecturer’s text books and all manner of demands distracting serious students from concentrating on their academic studies.
The Managing Director, SPDC and Country Chair of Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said SPDC is committed to the Postgraduate scholarship scheme for Niger Delta in its desire to  promote of academic excellence.
He stated that about 50 graduates have benefitted from the scheme which was initiated in 2010.
“It is managed by three universities in the United Kingdom (UK), Scholarship Consultancy Services, a Uk-based Consultant, Karamat Limited and of course the SPDC-Jv Nigerian Content team”, he said.
The scheme, he remarked continues to generate significant interest, making it unarguably one of the most sought after scholarships in Nigeria, stressing that the company is very proud of the impact being made by the scheme.
He noted that past awardeees are currently contributing their quota to the development of the country in various walks of life adding that while SPDC has employed nine, some of whom had won Shell Group professional awards for excellence in various areas of specialty, many others have been employed by other international companies inside and outside Nigeria.
While SPDC introduced the scholarship as part of its contribution to the development of the people in its host communities, he said, it is also another avenue to boost the talent pipeline of the oil and gas-related disciplines.
Okunbor stated that the scholarship is offered to graduates who desire master’s degree in the engineering and sub-surface disciplines and its covers all expenses: full tuition, living allowances, travel and other associated costs.
“We are happy that our investments in formal and non-formal education represent one of the biggest corporate social responsibility portfolios operated by any private company in Sub-Saharan  Africa”, said the managing Director.
The Finance director, SPDC, Jan Van Bunnik, said education is key in the development of any society and that the company considers the programme a vital one and views the beneficiaries as top in their generation with the quality of the training.
The General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Igo Weli, said the essence of the Postgraduate Scholarship scheme is not to make beneficiaries work only in Shell.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Weli said, “ you are here because you are among the best, not because you know anybody here or where you come from.
“Hard work never stops, the more you go, the more hardwork you have. There is still a lot of hardwork ahead of you. The way you take the company is the same way the company will take you”, he said and charged them to remain focused and to always aim at being the best.
He noted that the best way to appreciate the gesture was to contribute their quota by being good ambassadors of  Nigeria, their families, the state and SPDC.
Shell operates different categories of scholarship. About $14.8 million USD was spent by the oil firm last year on scholarships and other educational programmes for 1,356 Secondary School Students and 925 University undergraduates, according to a document on the company’s social responsibility.
The Managing Director who announced that the oil multinational had been forced to cut down budgets because of the significant reduction of oil price in the world market assured continuity of the programme because of its critical importance in capacity building effort of Shell.

Chris Oluoh

R-L: Emir of Gwandu, Major General (Dr) Muhammad LIiyasu Bashir, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dame Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo (2nd right), representative of Nigerian President, Professor Julius Okoje (middle), Vice Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph A. Ajienka (4th right) at the 30th Convocation of the University of Port Harcourt, recently.