The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture has greatly extended its educational endeavours, hiring 27 Nigerian professors and research interns. This year’s programme saw a 35% increase over the previous year, with eight professors, four senior lecturers, and 15 other participants.
The induction ceremony, held at the company’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, kicked off a one-year curriculum centred on information exchange and skill development. These participants, selected from 13 Nigerian universities, will get significant industry experience in fields such as biodiversity, petroleum engineering, and environmental impact assessment.
“The research and internship programmes are central to our commitment to supporting higher education in Nigeria,” explained Shell Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Relations, and SPDC Director, Mr. Igo Weli. He described the programme as mutually beneficial nature by offering Shell access to specialised expertise from professors and lecturers, who in turn acquire practical industry knowledge and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Despite operational limitations, Mr. Weli underlined Shell’s leadership in creating a positive learning environment and empowering employees.
Mrs. Bunmi Edith Lawson of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services confirmed Mr. Weli’s thoughts. She emphasised the programme’s importance in scientific research, environmental stewardship, and knowledge progress. “This is an investment in the next generation of innovators,” she declared, “and a way for us to give back to our stakeholders.”
Participants in the 2024 project come from many Nigerian universities, including the University of Benin, Rivers State University, University of Ibadan, Niger Delta University, and Ahmadu Bello University.
Others are Bingham University Karu, Federal University Wukari, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Covenant University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, University of Uyo, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.