A total of 250 students from both secondary and tertiary institutions in some parts of Rivers State last week besiege the Rivers State University Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre to participate in the aptitude test for scholarship award thrown open by Eroton E&P Limited.
The Tide reports that Eroton Exploration and Production Limited is a joint venture partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the operation of Oil Mining License OML 18 which until 2014 belonged to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the Cawthone Channel areas around Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It would be recalled that in 2018 the Managing Director of Eroton E&P, Obiaho Emafor, had expressed his confidence in the dynamics of Nigerian oil and gas sector and Eroton’s plan to grow its gas reserves.
Meanwhile, Eroton insider, told newsmen at the venue of the aptitude test that the scheme in addition to other donations were part of the JV’s “give back” programme to the host communities, adding that Eroton informed the host communities about the scheme and they asked teachers in their area to select the best brain and forward to the company.
This is the third series of the scheme out of the four years programme, specifically for indigent students from host communities, 100 from the secondary school level and 150 from the tertiary institution against 2020/2021 school calendar year and with a view to promoting education and assist indigent students in the area of operation”, he stated.
Attesting to the necessity of the scholarship scheme a teacher from Comprehensive College, Abalama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Bob-Manuel David who said he came to present his students for the aptitude test examination, expressed his gratitude that his school was fortunate to participate in another round of the scheme, stressing that the process was good and that the community was happy to be a host to Eroton and advised the oil company to sustain the scheme.
An English teacher in Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma, Otelemaba Orugbani, on her part pleaded for transparency in the selection to give opportunity to brilliant indigent students.
In her reaction, a 200 level English/Communication student of Federal University, Otueke, Sandra Gillis Harry, expressed joy for being part of the exercise, saying that the exam at the tertiary level was ICT base and that if awarded the scholarship, it would boost the financial status of her parent, as well enhance her education.
Miracle Seberekon, of Comprehensive Secondary School Minama, expressed her optimism to be among the beneficiaries of the scholarship.