NNPCL, FIRST E&P launch N900m school renovation for displaced children in Bauchi

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture have completed a transformative education infrastructure project aimed at improving the lives of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) communities in Bauchi State.

The oil companies embarked on the comprehensive rehabilitation of six schools, restoring learning facilities for students who have been severely impacted by years of regional crisis.

The renovation project, costing over N900 million, targeted four secondary schools and two primary schools in Bauchi, which were suffering from significant infrastructural damage, non-functional toilets, and a lack of basic educational resources.

The schools included Government Day Secondary School, Azare; Government Day Comprehensive Secondary School, Azare; Ahmad Turaki Primary School, Nassarawa East; Matsango Senior Secondary School, Katsalle Primary and Junior Secondary School, and Bakoshi Nursery and Primary School, all located in Azare.

The initiative delivered much-needed improvements, such as new roofs, structural repairs, proper classroom furniture, upgraded laboratories, and installed toilets.

Additionally, solar-powered boreholes were provided to ensure access to clean water, addressing the critical Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) needs in these schools.

The project, which commenced in 2022, focused on addressing the dire educational conditions in the state, where access to quality education is often limited.

With Nigeria hosting the third-largest population of IDPs in Africa, the northeastern region has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflicts.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 2.18 million people were displaced in Nigeria as of February 2021, leaving thousands of children without access to proper schooling.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, Emmanuel Etomi, emphasised the company’s commitment to educational advancement.

“For us, education is the foundation of societal progress. By revitalising these schools, we have empowered children with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. This project goes beyond construction; it’s about restoring hope and dignity for the children of Bauchi State,” he stated.

He further highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education.

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, reinforced the company’s dedication to community development.

He said this education infrastructure project is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing quality education and essential amenities to those affected by insurgency.

“We believe that investing in education is investing in the future of our nation,” Wunti said.

He expressed optimism that the new facilities will inspire students and encourage teachers to deliver their best.

The principals of the renovated schools also expressed their gratitude.

The Principal of Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, Azare, Inuwa Muhammad, praised the JV for the timely intervention, stating that the renovation is a great development for the school and the entire community.

Also, the Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Azare, Ibrahim Muhammad, added that the renovations would greatly improve the standard of education in the regional.

He said the schools renovation project represents a critical step towards rebuilding the future of Bauchi State’s displaced children, empowering them with the education and resources they need to thrive.

The project also created economic benefits for the local community by employing local contractors through a competitive bid process.

This not only ensured high-quality work but also fostered job creation and skill development, contributing to the broader socio-economic growth of the region.