NPDC gives scholarships to  60 communities in Edo, Delta 

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

The Nigeria Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) has awarded scholarships to 60 communities across Edo and Delta States.

The annual scholarship scheme was organised for its host communities, as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the multinational company to its host communities.

Mr. Dahiru Abubakar, Manager, Community Relations Department, NPDC, made this known during the conduct of the year 2020/2021 scholarship examination organised  by NPDC in Warri, Delta State.

Represented by the team Lead of the Warri Examination Center,  Mr. Noble Imabibo, Abubakar said the scholarship examination was being conducted simultaneously at three centres in Warri, Delta State, Egbema in Imo State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

“The Warri center has about 170 candidates selected from 60 communities across Edo and Delta,  22 in Egbema and 145 in Port Harcourt centres.

“In total, we have 337 Candidates from the different host communities sitting for the examination out of which successful Candidates would be awarded the scholarships. 

“Over 10,000 students have so far been awarded the scholarships since the programme started in the year 2000.

“The NPDC Scholarship scheme has helped  to reduce youth restiveness in the Communities and has helped in human Capital development in the Communities hosting its operations.

“Communities do the nominations and send the list to NPDC for the scholarship exams,’’ he said.

The manager, however disclosed that plans were under way to create an online platform for the students to take the exams particularly now that the COVID-19 pandemic had made it almost impossible for people to interact physically. 

According to him, to ensure a transparent, free and fair exercise, NPDC Management engaged  the services of the Management of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) as Consultant to conduct the Examination. 

Also speaking,  Professor Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyin, Coordinator of the NPDC scholarship Examination, (FUPRE), Warri, thanked NPDC for the privilege given to the students.

‘’A lot of the students are from the rural areas were they do not have enough resources to go to school.

“With this scholarship scheme, a lot  do well and remain in school. Last year, we advised that NPDC increased the number and this year we have very many of them coming from different Communities.”