American multinational oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has said it spends N5.6 billion on scholarships between 2009 and 2015, for 15,356 young Nigerians.
General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Mr Deji Haastrup disclosed this in Asaba Delta State capital during CNL’s 11th Edition of the National Art Exhibition Competition Prize/Award giving ceremony also said over 14, 000 students have benefited from the Agbami Medical and Engineering scheme funded by its subsidiary, Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited.
He said “For 2015 alone, a total of N186 million was spent on various scholarship schemes on 2, 406 student beneficiaries, while over N250 million was given to Regional Development Committees (RDCs) – a cluster of communities close to its operations”.
He noted that Chevron’s social investment cut across education, health and economic empowerment, adding that education is the key to unravelling the potential of youths and developing their capacity for societal relevance.
According to him, “investment in education covers community and national scholarships awards to Nigerian students in secondary and tertiary institutions, infrastructural support including classroom, libraries laboratories and sponsorship of competitions and programmes to motivate students and boost their confidence.
Responding, Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, commended the NNPC/Chevron joint venture in firing up the creative potential of the students/youths, noting that this will make them purpose-driven and keep them away from becoming oil facility vandals and engaging in other vices.
