The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture has significantly expanded its educational initiatives, inducting 27 Nigerian academics and research interns into its annual programme.
This year’s cohort, representing a 35% increase from the previous year, includes eight professors, four senior lecturers, and 15 other participants.
Held at Shell’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the induction ceremony marked the commencement of a one-year programme focused on knowledge exchange and skill development.
The participants, drawn from 13 Nigerian universities, will gain valuable 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,” said Mr. Igo Weli, Shell Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Relations and SPDC Director.
He highlighted the programme’s mutually beneficial nature, offering Shell access to specialised expertise from professors and lecturers while providing these academics with practical industry knowledge and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Despite operational challenges, Mr. Weli reaffirmed Shell’s position as an industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering people.
Mrs. Bunmi Edith Lawson, representing the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, echoed Mr. Weli’s sentiments. She emphasised the programme’s significance in scientific exploration, environmental stewardship, and knowledge advancement.
“This is an investment in the next generation of innovators,” she stated, “and a way for us to give back to our stakeholders.”
The 2024 programme includes participants from a diverse range of universities across Nigeria, including the University of Benin, Rivers State University, University of Ibadan, Niger Delta University, and Ahmadu Bello University.
Other participating institutions are Bingham University Karu, Federal University Wukari, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Covenant University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ajayi Crowther University, University of Uyo, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
