NNPCL boosts STEM with 40,000 books donation to schools

To promote science and technology education across Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Foundation, yesterday, in Abuja, launched the second phase of its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Books and Shelves Distribution Project, donating 40,000 textbooks to public secondary schools nationwide.

The foundation noted that similar events would be held in 24 states across the six geopolitical zones in April 2025 as part of its broader nationwide rollout.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja, the Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, emphasised the initiative’s importance in bridging the educational resource gap and preparing Nigerian youths for a technology-driven future.

She added that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Arukwe said: “As part of our educational initiatives, we are pleased to introduce the STEM Books and Shelves Distribution Project, designed to enhance the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in secondary schools across Nigeria. This is the second phase of the initiative, which we commenced in 2024, with 15 schools from the six geopolitical zones of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“A total of 40,000 STEM textbooks, from both the first and now second phases of this initiative are to be distributed to public secondary schools in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with the identified schools receiving 1,000 copies each of the textbooks, and a designated library bookshelf for storage and accessibility.

“It is important to note that there is limited access to STEM education in Nigeria, especially with the paucity of requisite materials to enhance the learning process. STEM is a veritable means of bridging the gap in economic advancement and technological innovation.”