Bauchi State University enjoys NNPC, SPDC Social Responsibilities and Community Relation

From Usman Shehu Bauchi 

In fulfilment of their social responsibilities and community relations, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC ), Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd and their Joint Venture partners, Total Energies and Nigeria Agip Oil Company with The Offshore Lab (TOL) have jointly constructed and donated an ultra modern Information, Communication Centre (ICT) to the Sa'adu Zungur University (SAZUG), Gadau. 

Delivering his Speach during the official handing over of the Centre to the University held yesterday at it Permanent Campus in Gadau,Bala Wunti, who is the Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Limited informed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has always been a hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture (JV). 

According to Wunti, "For several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Today, the JV is in Bauchi to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau. This is indeed a milestone worthy of celebration." 

He added that,"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." 

Bala Wunti who was represented by Head of Business Services NNPC Upstesm Investment Management Services (NUIMS) Sani Kano added that, "At NUIMS-NNPC Ltd. 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."

He appreciate  Bauchi state Government,  royal father, the Emir of Bauchi, and the managerment of the Bauchi State University for the warm welcome and hospitality we enjoyed during the execution phase of the project." 

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."

He assured that with 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" he revealed. 

In his  remarks at the occasion, the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Developmental Company of Nigeria Limited & Country Shell Companies in Nigeria , Dr . Osagie Okunbor  stated that,"To us, this is another very important Social Investment project completed PDC JV in North-East Nigeria." 

Represented by the GM, Corporate Relations, Shell Companies Nigeria, Mr. Igo Weli,  added that, "Earlier this year, we inaugurated the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) at Dagare, in Yobe State. We have also completed two liv rengthening intervention programmes to support displaced families in Gujba, Yobe State, and Jere and Mafa in Borno State." 

He also expressed happiness that the collaboration of joint venture partners and the Bauchi State University has resulted in the success of the prooject, which is a social investment project that demonstrates the commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.

According to him, "The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance ducational 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, which is the visually stimulating collaborative workspace  where students engage in group work, brainstorming session eation meetings. This promotes a collaborative work style essential for innovation teamwork," he said.

Other features of the facility include generator house, independent water KVa Generator, and a landscaped external environment fitted with a Bicycle  dedicated cycling path.

He specially expressed his appreciation to the NNPC Upstream Management Services (NNPC-NUIMS) team for the continued support, and venture partners Total Energies and Nigeria AGIP Oil Company for stan always in the different intervention programmes that we implement. 

I thank the project implementors, The Offshore Lab; The QA/QC Consultant lobal Construction Company; and the Principal Officers of Bauchi State University Gadau, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatima Tahir, for their keen interest in seeing this project through this far.

He then urged the University community to see the project as their own, because it is their own facilities and they right to protect it

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Fatima Tahir commended the partnership for the edifice which She said will go a long way in improving the quality of learning and teaching. 

The VC assured that the facility will be used judiciously to achieve the set objectives of its donation to the University.