The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has revealed that he passed through the Almajiri school system.

Kyari made this known in a post on X, praising God for sparing his life to celebrate his 60th birthday.

He said, “I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.”

Kyari also appreciated the privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, President Bola Tinubu, to serve as the last GMD of NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I have spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, failures and successes, and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain,” he added.

In a congratulatory message, President Tinubu commended Kyari’s diligence in transforming the NNPCL into a profitable organisation.

The President noted that under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL has recorded notable achievements, including the resuscitation of two refineries, an increase in domestic natural gas consumption, and a boost in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.

He applauded Kyari’s dedication to service and the professionalism he has maintained throughout his distinguished career at the NNPC, OPEC, and as the first Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL.

He prayed to God to continue to grant him sound health, wisdom, and strength to serve the nation while mentoring the next generation of energy sector leaders.