The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Shell Petroleum Development Company have partnered to unveil a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Limited, Olufemi Soneye, on his X account on Friday, the centre was inaugurated on Thursday.
Soneye said through its Joint Venture partnership, CSR has always been the hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC JV CSR commitments.
Speaking at the inauguration, NNPC Limited’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, who was represented by the Head, Business Services, NUIMS, Mr. Sani Kabo, said, “Today’s historic inauguration of this ultra-modern ICT Centre at the BASUG is a testament to the positive and sustainable impact of the oil and gas industry on Nigerians.”
He observed that for several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of the country.
Wunti further noted that the successful completion of the ICT centre exemplifies NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development, improving access to quality education and fostering innovation in Nigeria.
While commending the impact of the JV on the community, Wunti also thanked the locals for their tremendous support and hospitality towards the project.
He called for continuous support from the Bauchi and Gombe state governments, traditional institutions and members of the various host communities in the area especially towards the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.
On his part, the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, described the inauguration as another crucial social investment project completed by the JV in North-East Nigeria.
Okunbor who acknowledged the collaborative effort of both parties in the JV, observed that the journey to establish the facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills, and inspire the growth of the IT ecosystem in Bauchi State and northeast Nigeria.
The state-of-the-art facility houses a Wi-Fi lounge, computer laboratories, conference rooms, lecture halls, office spaces, and a combined 3D printing and hardware lab.
The centre is also equipped with smart interactive boards and high-performance computers for students, creating a conducive environment for learning and innovation.