Shell splashes N1.8b on Nigerian Maritime University for projects

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has donated $5 million (about N1.8 billion) to finance projects in the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State.

SPDC managing director, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, disclosed this at the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday with the university’s vice chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ongoebi Etebu, in Port Harcourt.

The university, which began full academic programmes in 2018, was set up in 2016.

Okunbor said the projects would commence in phases with the building of lecture theatre complex followed by several other high priority projects.

He said: “To this end, SPDC has committed $5 million to the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU). This support and donation of infrastructure will be phased over three years.

“The proposed lecture theatre complex, which was designed by the university, is a two-floor furnished building that comprises three lecture auditoria.

“Other facilities in the complex include eight classrooms, one e-classroom, 14 offices and 18 conveniences,” he said.

The MD said upon completion of the theatre complex, other priority projects such as lecture halls, students’ hostels and water treatment and distribution facility would commence.

He said the donation was conceived after several meetings with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, and Joint Venture partners.

“The MoU will provide the management framework for overseeing the successful delivery of projects with both SPDC and NMU representation on the Project Management Committee.

“This support ties to our Global Social Investment Theme on Education as well as lead to our longstanding support for education and capacity development of the Nigerian youth,” he said.

Etebu said that Shell was the only company in Nigeria and abroad that supports the university.

She said the institution, being one of the newest in the country, lacked key priority infrastructure needed for learning.

“We are truly surprised by this kind gesture from SPDC, especially as we did not come to SPDC to ask for assistance in any form whatsoever.

“We have had our project management committee meeting and hopefully the project will start in April. We wish that other companies emulate SPDC to support NMU,” she said.