TheCable

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) says it would invest a total of $12million in six universities across the country.

According to the organisation, the move is part of its commitment to develop education in Nigeria and complement the efforts of government and other stakeholders in the education sector.

NLNG plans to build modern laboratories and procure advanced equipment, particularly in the department of engineering of the respective institutions.

The universities were listed as University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, all selected as a result of their “performance and their long-standing contributions to Nigeria through the development of local capacity, especially the training of engineers and other technical experts who contribute to national development”.

NLNG further revealed that each of the vice chancellors of the institutions had signed Memorandum of Understanding with the company.

Commenting on the development, Babs Omotowa, chief executive and managing director of NLNG (pictured), said the university support programme is part of the corporate social responsibility of the organisation.

Omotowa noted that NLNG’s contribution in that regard is to improve the quality of education in the country.

“NLNG’s CSR portfolio spans education, healthcare, infrastructure, enterprises and capacity development. But among all these, we consider education a special focus area,” he said.

“This therefore is our little contribution to complement the various efforts of government, the academia and other stakeholders to improve the quality of education in the country.”

The organisation is known for such initiatives. Among its contribution to societal development are provision of equipment to University of Port Harcourt, Braithwaite Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

NLNG also empowered the Bonny Vocational Centre, and accredited London City & Guilds centres in Nigeria, which provides vocational training in areas such as metal fabrication and electrical installation.

It as well provides scholarship programmes for primary, secondary and students of higher institutions.