The NNPCL-Shell Cradle-to-Career scholarship program has awarded 35 gifted students from public primary schools in three Niger Delta states with scholarships.
The Punch reported that the scholarship covers the complete six years of secondary school education.
The recipients, who come from Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states recently finished a week-long orientation program with introductory classes in academics, character, and psychology to get them ready for a seamless transition into their new learning environment.
They were enrolled in three highly regarded private institutions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Brookstone Secondary School, Jephthah Comprehensive College, and Bloombreed High School.
The general manager of corporate relations for the joint venture’s operator, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Igo Weli, referred to the beneficiaries as the “35 shining stars of the Niger Delta,” noting that they were chosen following a competitive procedure that included aptitude tests.
Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2010, there have been 14 cohorts of scholars, bringing the total number of recipients to 790.
“The Cradle-to-Career program is intended to reduce educational disparities brought on by regional and socioeconomic factors, as well as to support Nigeria’s overall high literacy rates in the Niger Delta.
“The UNESCO aim of “Education for All” comes closer to reality thanks to this project. In our opinion, the program would also assist in creating a solid human resource base for Nigeria’s growth.”
The commissioner for education for the state of Rivers, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, spoke at the ceremony and praised the program’s accomplishments as well as the meticulous procedure used to identify students from underprivileged backgrounds and help them receive the best education possible.
The Commissioner urged the students to concentrate on their goals and make the most use of the scholarship in order to make their families and the program sponsors proud. He was represented by a director in the state ministry of education, Emmanuel Onumbu.
