Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG on Monday awarded post-graduate scholarships to 12 Nigerians to pursue Master’s degrees in high-ranking universities in the United Kingdom.
The scholarships was awarded at the second edition of NLNG Scholars Day, in commemoration of the Company’s interventions in education.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, said NLNG has recorded tremendous success in human capacity development, especially through scholarship programmes and other initiatives.
Fatayi-Williams disclosed that NLNG offers post-primary, undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships to students in her host communities and across the country.
She added that the Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was launched to grow a pool of dedicated professionals to bridge the specialist skills gap, in line with the Company’s vision of helping to build a better Nigeria. The scholarship is fully funded and administered by NLNG.
“The progressive increase in the number of students who apply and qualify for our three tier scholarship schemes comprising the Post-Primary, the Undergraduate and our Overseas Post Graduate Scholarship schemes indicate that our focus on supporting education at all levels is a right decision which is yielding positive results.
“Through the award of this Overseas Post Graduates Scholarship to deserving beneficiaries today, NLNG provides opportunity for these young Nigerians to acquire specialised education in top universities in the UK,” she said.
Fatayi-Williams also said that the Company celebrates 20 years of successful operation, and 30 years anniversary of incorporation.
She announced that a total of 66 Nigerian students have been awarded since the programme started in 2013, adding that the NLNG Scholarships Scheme is one of NLNG’s interventions in education.
“NLNG has good reason to celebrate its success as a business. Our achievements are an assurance to our host communities and the nation at large that we are committed to the realization of our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.
“The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses and travels, and is valued between N6million and N11million for each scholar, depending on the field of study.
“Particular focus is given to select profession courses which include Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Studies, Management Sciences, Information Technology, Law and Medicine, all at Masters Level.”
She further disclosed that NLNG built and equipped the Bonny Vocational Center, which helps to bridge the gap in technical education in the country. To date, BVC has trained over 400 Nigerians in a range of vocational and related occupational skill-sets.
The Company also funds the NLNG Youth Empowerment Scheme. Over 80 youths from Rivers State are participating in different short term entrepreneurial skills in 2019..
