‘Over 90 Nigerian Lecturers Benefit from TotalEnergies, NNPC University Exchange Programme with Massachusetts Institute’

Peter Uzoho

Over 90 lecturers from Nigerian universities have so far participated and benefited from the TotalEnergies’ Empowering The Teachers (ETT) fellowship programme being undertaken in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States.

The ETT fellowship programme launched in 2013, was aimed to further improve the quality of teaching and learning of science and engineering in Nigerian universities through exposing the participants to the innovative and cutting-edge teaching methods used at the MIT to enable them mould students into industry-ready products.

Delivering his goodwill message

at the ETT Symposium and Awards ceremony held yesterday in Lagos, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, who disclosed this, said

the programme was another educational initiative his organisation, NNPC and partners have continued to invest in to further improve the quality of learning in Nigeria.

He explained that under the ETT programme, academics selected from African universities spend one intensive and inclusive semester acquiring knowledge on the innovative and cutting-edge teaching methods used at the MIT to mould students into industry-ready products.

Bouyer, added that the aim of the initiative was to foster new ways of teaching science and engineering in African tertiary institutions in a bid to produce experts in that field that could compete with their counterparts in other regions of the world in terms of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

He stated, “The experience of the academics at MIT is expected to culminate in the development of new courses and the modification of existing ones in a bid to revolutionise science and engineering teaching in African tertiary institutions.

“In Nigeria, for example, we are glad to see the impact the MIT-ETT scheme is already making in tertiary education.

“Since 2013, over 90 university lecturers have benefited from the programme in the country. We are excited for the promise the near future holds for science and engineering education in Nigeria, especially because as we expect more lecturers to benefit from this knowledge-exchange programme.”

Bouyer said TotalEnergies’ contributions to education development in Nigeria and Africa went beyond the MIT-ETT scheme, stating that the company’s footprints were visible across all sectors.

He said TotalEnergies was proud to be linked to all the educational interventions it was involved in because they all align with the Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which calls for ‘Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promotion of Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All.’

He said these investments were important to the company as they were in sync with their internal sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), one of which, he noted, was creating value for society.

Bouyer, maintained that the event of the day was coming at a historic time in TotalEnergies’ operations in Nigeria.

He maintained that, “Having contributed immensely to the development of this great country over the last 60 years and a worldwide pioneer in producing energies for 100 years, we are proud of our remarkable journey and the huge potential that this new chapter presents.”

The TotalEnergies boss further said, “As a responsible organisation, TotalEnergies has continued to ensure that the impacts of all its operations are managed in a way that helps preserve the environment, biodiversity, and freshwater resources in a bid to promote an inclusive economy.

“Also, our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 along with society and transitioning to low carbon energy solutions for a cleaner and safer environment remains as assured as ever.  

 “As I welcome you to this event once again, I am happy to reassure you all that, as a responsible energy company that understands and appreciates the value of education and its role in the development and growth of any human society, TotalEnergies will continue to support initiatives such as the MIT-ETT programme for the benefit of humanity.”

In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, said the symposium and awards ceremony marked a pivotal moment in recognising the exceptional contributions of educators who are shaping the future.

Bala, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Manager, External Affairs, NNPCL, Mrs. Olubunmi Lawson, said the NNPCL was humbled to be part of the transformative initiative -ETT Fellowship programme.

Referring to education as the cornerstone of progress, Wunti said when a programme like ‘Empowering The Teachers’ aligned forces with an institution of the calibre of MIT, the society would witness the fusion of innovation, excellence, and global collaboration.

He continued, “Together, we had embarked on this journey to uplift and empower educators who play integral role in sculpting the minds of the next generation since 2010.

“Empowering The Teachers programme is not just an initiative, it is a commitment to nurturing the growth and development of our society through the empowerment of of those who mold the next generation. NNPC/TotalEnergies recognise the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on the lives of their students and communities they serve.”

While congratulating the educators being celebrated at the occasion on their well-deserved recognition, Wunti told them that their commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in pursuit of knowledge inspire everyone in the society.

“Your role extends beyond the dissemination of information; you are the catalysts for change, the architects of progress, and the mentors who guide future leaders”, he noted.