The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has embarked on a transformative initiative, the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme, designed to empower 300 deserving first-year students hailing from the OML 17 host communities. This comprehensive scholarship program will offer crucial financial and educational support, enabling these students to pursue their academic aspirations at government-owned universities throughout Nigeria. The program is a significant component of the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust’s broader mission, which is anchored in fostering sustainable development through focused investments in education and human capital, aligning perfectly with the mandates of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This commitment to education underscores the joint venture’s dedication to nurturing the potential within these communities and creating pathways for a brighter future.
The application process for the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme is meticulously designed to ensure transparency and merit-based selection. Starting July 21, 2025, eligible candidates will have the opportunity to submit their applications through the designated online portal. This will be followed by a rigorous online testing and screening phase to evaluate the applicants’ academic aptitude and potential. The culmination of this process will be the announcement of the 300 successful scholarship recipients in September 2025. This structured approach aims to identify and support the most promising students, offering them a chance to transform their lives through higher education.
The leadership behind this initiative has expressed their strong commitment to the program’s success and its potential to uplift the host communities. HRM, Dr. Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OML 17 HCDT, emphasized the significance of the scholarship program as a pivotal step towards empowering the youth within the host communities. He highlighted the program’s transparent and merit-based selection process as a key element in ensuring that the scholarship reaches those who need it most. Dr. Amaechi views the scholarship not just as financial aid but as a gateway to a brighter future for the recipients, contributing to the overall development and progress of the communities.
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies Limited, reiterated the importance of education as the cornerstone of progress. He emphasized that by providing young people with access to learning opportunities, the program contributes to building stronger and more resilient communities. Igiehon articulated Heirs Energies’ belief in shared prosperity being built upon a foundation of shared opportunity, underscoring the company’s commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for the host communities. This perspective highlights the program’s broader impact, extending beyond individual beneficiaries to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region.
The OML 17 HCDT, established by the NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture under the PIA, operates with a clear mandate to drive sustainable development and economic empowerment across 73 communities within the OML 17 area. The Trust is guided by principles of transparency, inclusivity, and a focus on long-term impact. This dedication to sustainable development is evident in the scholarship program, which is designed not only to support individual students but also to contribute to the overall development of the region. By investing in the education of its future leaders, the Trust aims to create a positive ripple effect, fostering economic growth and social progress within the host communities.
The OML 17 University Scholarship Programme represents a significant investment in the future of the OML 17 host communities. The initiative is a testament to the NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering the next generation of leaders. By providing access to quality education, the program aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The program’s comprehensive approach, encompassing financial support, academic guidance, and a commitment to transparency, underscores the joint venture’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and the communities they represent. This holistic approach is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s development and create a brighter future for all.
