35 exceptionally pupils hailing from public primary schools across the Niger Delta region have been granted the prestigious NNPCL-Shell Cradle-to-Career scholarships, covering their entire six years of secondary school education.
These bright young minds, hailing from Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States, recently wrapped up an intensive week-long orientation program aimed at honing their academic, character, and psychological skills, all in preparation for their seamless transition into new learning environments.
The 14th batch of scholars since the program’s inception in 2010, they have been placed in three renowned private institutions in Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Brookstone Secondary School, Jephthah Comprehensive College, and Bloombreed High School.
Igo Weli, General Manager Corporate Relations at The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, praised these students as the “35 shining stars of the Niger Delta,” having been selected through a highly competitive process that included aptitude tests.
“The Cradle-to-Career program is designed to bridge educational disparities arising from geographic and socio-economic differences while enhancing literacy levels in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole,” remarked Weli.
He further highlighted its contribution to the realization of UNESCO’s ‘Education for All’ goal and the development of a robust human resource base for Nigeria’s progress.
Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, expressed his appreciation for the program and Shell’s commitment to offering the best education to pupils from underprivileged backgrounds.
He encouraged the scholars to focus on their goals and make the most of this opportunity to bring pride to their families and sponsors.
The NNPCL-Shell Cradle-to-Career scholarship is not just an investment in these 35 students, but also in the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.