Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC ) have jointly constructed and donated an ultra modern Information and Communication Centre (ICT) to the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZUG), Gadau in Bauchi State.
Speaking during the official handing over of the Centre at the Permanent Campus of the University Thursday in Gadau, Chief Upstream Investment Officer NNPCL, Dr Bala Wunti, said that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has always been a hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture (JV).
“Today, the JV is in Bauchi to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau. This is indeed no mean feat and a milestone worthy of celebration,” Wunti said.
Represented by Head, Business Services NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) Sani Kabo, Wunti said, “Education has always been a cornerstone of societal development, and in today’s. world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an essential pillar that supports this foundation.”
According to him, “This project is a glimpse of the positive impact of the oil and gas industry on the fortunes of our nation. We kindly request for your sustained collaboration as we strive to do more. With the upcoming Kolmani Integrated Development Project, Bauchi and Gombe states are set to become the first 2 states in Northern Nigeria to join the oil-producing states in the country.”
“At NUIMS-NNPCL we recognize this fact, and we continuously rally our partners to ensure that we give back to the society, our host communities and beyond to support the development of human capital and talent that will aspire to be the future of our industry.”
In his remarks, Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Developmental Company of Nigeria Limited & Country Shell Companies in Nigeria, Dr Osagie Okunbor said, “To us, this is another very important Social Investment project completed PDC JV in North-East Nigeria. The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire greater IT ecosystem in Bauchi State and North-East Nigeria.
“The facility, which we are now inaugurating, is a two-floor ICT facility. A key part of the design of the facility is the visually stimulating collaborative workspace that foster environment where students engage in group work, brainstorming sessions and ideation meetings. This promotes a collaborative work style essential for innovation teamwork.”
Represented by the GM, Corporate Relations, Shell Companies Nigeria, Igo Weli, Okunbor explained, “To foster sustainable development, the construction strategy included locals in several skill areas. These locals then became channels for construction milestones. In addition, 75 staff and students received hands-on data science, embedded systems and hardware engineering, to grow in-house and ensure that the facility is put to good use.”
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Saadu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, thanked NNPCL and Shell for the edifice, saying that the ICT Centre would greatly enhanced teaching and learning, promotes students and staff members of the faculty as well as promote technological advancement of the society.
The VC said, ” As we all know the World is rapidly evolving and we must keep on with the changes to remain relevant. The rapid advancement of technology specifically in the field of Information and Communication has transform the way we lived and work. As a university it our responsibility to prepared our students for the ever changing job market by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills.”
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