The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi. This project, done with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, Nigeria Agip Oil Company, and Offshore Lab (TOL), aims to improve IT education and develop skills to support oil exploration in the North-East region.
Mr. Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Management Services (NUIMS), said this initiative is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support education and community development. The ICT centre is located at the university’s main campus in Gadau community, Bauchi State, and is a significant step in improving educational facilities.
“This centre will help young people develop IT skills, which are important for the future of our industry,” Wunti said during the centre’s opening.
He emphasized the role of education in society and the importance of IT in modern learning. NNPC-SPDC joint venture is known for its CSR projects nationwide and sees this centre as crucial for preparing communities for future opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
Wunti also mentioned the upcoming Kolmani Integrated Development Project, which will make Bauchi and Gombe the first northern Nigerian states to produce oil.
Dr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, praised the centre as an important investment in the North-East. Represented by Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager of Corporate Relations at Shell Companies in Nigeria, Okunbor highlighted the centre’s role in improving educational infrastructure and promoting IT skills in high demand.
“The ICT facility includes modern features like independent water supply and a 100 KVA power generator to encourage collaboration and innovation among students,” Okunbor explained.
He noted the involvement of local contractors in building the centre, showing NNPC-SPDC’s commitment to empowering local communities.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State inaugurated the centre and praised the initiative, saying it supports the state’s efforts to improve IT education. The governor, represented by Tajuddeen Baba-Ma’aji, Director-General of Bauchi State Bureau for ICT Development, reiterated the state’s commitment to investing in ICT projects for better education outcomes.
Prof. Fatimah Tahir, Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, thanked everyone involved and said the centre will enhance teaching and research at the university. She promised to use the facility effectively to raise IT education standards in Bauchi State and beyond.
The project shows collaboration for sustainable development through education, aligning with SPDC and its partners’ commitment to improving social and economic progress in Nigeria’s North-East region.
