The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced the 2025 postgraduate scholarship programme for Ogoni students.

This year’s programme, which is part of HYPREP’s commitment to investing in young people, is said to support research work and defray part of the study expenses for postgraduate students.

Speaking at the sensitisation workshop for 2the 025 Ogoni Postgraduate Scholarship support grant programme, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasised that every decision made by HYPREP, including the scholarship grant, is anchored on fairness, merit, and accountability.

He stated, “HYPREP remains a project of excellence, and every decision we make, including the scholarship grant, is anchored on fairness, merit, and accountability.”

Zabbey noted that the scholarship programme is designed to support 500 postgraduate students, an increase from 300 beneficiaries in 2024.

According to him, the programme is part of HYPREP’s efforts to create alternative sources of livelihood, promote environmental restoration, and improve public health in Ogoniland.

Professor Zabbey emphasised HYPREP’s commitment to investing in young people, stating that the project’s goal is to ensure the sustainable development of Ogoni and the nation.

He noted that the scholarship program is one of the many ways HYPREP is working to restore livelihoods, build capacity, and ensure the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations.

The project coordinator called on all Ogonis, including postgraduate students, to create a conducive environment that ensures the goals of HYPREP are fully realised.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration, constructive engagement, and adherence to processes and procedures.

He said: “I therefore call on all Ogonis, including postgraduate students, to continue creating a conducive environment, both in person and online, that ensures the goals of HYPREP are fully realised.

“I would like to discourage the culture of negative comments, especially when there are perceived delays in processes. Instead, I encourage you to direct your questions through the established channels for public engagement. The Project Coordination Office remains open to inquiries, and we are always ready to guide all stakeholders.

“Dear esteemed scholars, it is also necessary to note that the steps leading to the award of these grants are critical, and failure to pay attention to details may result in missed opportunities.”