Mohammed Shosanya

A multi-billion naira learning centre and digital library opened on Thursday at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State with a vow to revolutionise e-learning and technology-driven teaching and research at the university.

The project was funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC); Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and its co-venture partners; and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB),a statement said.

The inauguration of the project was cheered by stakeholders from around the Niger Delta who expressed their expectation that the facility would offer students, lecturers and researchers the resources and connectivity to keep them in step with global ICT standards.

“This project is a good shot in the arm of the Niger Delta University,” said Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri in an address delivered at the inauguration on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

He was quoted in the statement as saying that the Bayelsa State Government was ready to partner with NNPC/SNEPCo in other areas of development.

Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, commended the collaboration that led to the execution of the “landmark project.” Managing Director SNEPCo Elohor Aiboni, said the project was “the culmination of a vision shared by NNPC, SNEPCo, co-venture partners, NCDMB and NDU,” describing it “as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when we unite for a common goal – empowering our people.”

The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Omatsola Egbe, represented by Director, Corporate Services, Ama Ikuru, said the project would support NDU to produce “quality graduates for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and propel the delivery of Nigerian content development.” Chief Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) Bala Wunti commented on the partnership behind the project: “Together, we have created a resource that will benefit our community for years to come. NNPC is honoured to have played a major part in this collaborative endeavour.”

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Allen Agih, thanked NNPC, SNEPCo, the co-venture partners – ExxonMobil, Total Energies and Nigeria AGIP Exploration Limited – for providing an “iconic edifice” that would facilitate teaching and learning in the institution.

The structure boasts three floors with a fully equipped digital library and a collaborative learning centre. Local contractors played key roles in various aspects of the project and 24 individuals from the Niger Delta University acquired experience in complex engineering works through onsite training.

The social investment initiatives of NNPC, SNEPCo and co-venture partners have made positive impact in many areas, helping internally displaced Nigerians to rebuild their lives, enhancing treatment and care for cancer patients and supporting students to achieve their educational dreams in top-rated secondary schools and universities.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its Joint Venture partners in OML 18 – the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Total Energies EP Nigeria Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd – have donated a 2,300-seater state-of-the-art digital library to the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

The digital library, a two-storey complex equipped with cutting-edge Information Technology amenities including 100 computer systems, e-learning and research facilities, interactive smart boards, projectors, camcorders, e-books, e-journals, e-learning portal, and reading halls, was handed over to the school authority on Thursday in Bayelsa State.

Other facilities in the library include Wi-Fi Lounge, print and document hall, video and audio recordings, photography and online education centre, e-distant learning hall, Chief Librarian and departmental offices, IT rack room, newspaper archive, stack room for new arrivals, and conveniences.

A statement signed by Olufemi O. Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd,quoted that the library complex is also equipped with a 500KVA power generator, a 500KVA transformer, a dedicated water borehole fitted with water purification facilities.

The e-library is designed to promote ICT education and provide a conducive learning environment for students and researchers in the school to keep them abreast of global IT practices and advancement.

Present at the commissioning and handover ceremony of the project were: Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Evwrudjakpor; Pro-Chancellor of the NDU, Matthew Seiyefa; Vice-Chancellor of NDU, Prof. Allen Agih; representative of Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru; Deputy Manager, External Relations, NNPC Ltd, Edith Lawson; Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor; and Managing Director of SNEPCo, Elohor Aiboni.