The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (‘the JV’) have successfully completed a significant Education Infrastructure project in Bauchi State, targeting communities accommodating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This initiative, which began in 2022, involved the comprehensive rehabilitation of six schools, significantly improving learning conditions for children in disadvantaged communities.
Nigeria ranks third in Africa for its population of internally displaced persons, with over 2.18 million IDPs recorded as of February 2021, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Many children in the Northeastern region face challenges in accessing quality education due to the severe conditions of schools impacted by ongoing crises. Recognizing this dire situation, the NNPC Ltd and FIRST E&P JV embarked on this renovation project, aiming to provide safe, conducive learning environments for children to rebuild their lives.
The project saw an investment of over 900 million naira, focusing on both primary and secondary schools across Bauchi State. The six schools that underwent comprehensive renovations and upgrades are:
– Government Day Secondary School, Azare, Bauchi
– Government Day Comprehensive Secondary School, Azare, Bauchi
– Ahmad Turaki Primary School Nassarawa East, Bauchi
– Matsango Senior Secondary School, Azare
– Katsalle Primary and Junior Secondary School, Azare
– Bakoshi Nursery and Primary School, Azare
The rehabilitation included new roofs, structural repairs, proper classroom furniture, upgraded school laboratories, and the installation of functional toilets. To address critical Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) needs, solar-powered boreholes were installed to ensure a reliable supply of clean water.
Mr. Etomi, Executive Director, Corporate Services of FIRST E&P, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative: “For us as a company, Educational Advancement is one of our pillars for social development. We believe that education is the foundation of societal progress, and by revitalizing these schools, we have helped empower the children with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. However, this initiative goes beyond mere construction; it’s about restoring hope and dignity for the children of Bauchi State. This project aligns perfectly with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 of inclusive and equitable quality education and is a crucial step towards achieving that vision and unlocking the future potential of these communities.”
Echoing these sentiments, Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), added: “As a responsible corporate citizen, NNPC Limited is committed to supporting the development of our communities. This education infrastructure project is a testament to our dedication to providing quality education and essential amenities to those who have been affected by the insurgency. We believe that investing in education is investing in the future of our nation.”
Principals of the renovated schools expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Inuwa Muhammad, Principal of Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, Azare, remarked, “As the Principal of the School, I am very delighted to have this renovation during my tenure because this is a great development for the school and the entire community at large. The company has done so much.” Ibrahim Muhammad, Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Azare, added, “Thankfully, the renovation took place at the right time. It will greatly help the school and its standard.”
The project’s implementation involved local contractors selected through a competitive bidding process, ensuring high-quality work while also fostering economic growth within the local community. This approach not only guaranteed excellent renovations but also provided jobs and skill development opportunities, contributing to broader economic empowerment in the region.
