Chevron reiterates commitment to improving quality education

The Chairman/Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Operators of NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing has reiterated the company’s commitment to improving quality and standard education at all level of studies in Nigeria, adding that “because it is highly strategic for the industrialization and development of the country”.

Our Senior Correspondent reports that Mr. Ewing gave the assurance at the ‘award presentation ceremony of the 2018 Awokoya Memorial Competition in Chemistry’ held at PTI Conference Centre, Effurun in Delta State.

According to the CNL Boss, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture have continually expressed commitment in supporting advanced education through provision of scholarships as well as sponsorship of manpower development programmes.

Mr. Ewing who was represented by the Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Superintendent, CNL, Mr. Tony Emegere, expressed joy that the competition is achieving its goals and assured that it will grow bigger, stronger as well as get better.

He noted that the Awokoya Chemistry Competition was initiated by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture to promote the study of Chemistry among students in secondary schools across Delta State in memory of late Prof. Stephen Awokoya, a Chemist that died March 15, 1985.

The PGPA Superintendent congratulated Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter for their effort in supporting the growth of Chemistry in secondary schools and also hailed students for excelling in the competition, just as he commended the Delta State government for providing the necessary conducive environment.

The Chairman, Delta State Chapter, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Tina Olubukola Isichei revealed that Chevron has been supporting the state chapter of Chemical Society of Nigeria for the past 30 years.

While commending the Delta State Ministry of Education for their support, she pointed out that 591 students participated in the first stage of this year’s competition, which according to her was unprecedented.

The Guest Lecturer and Dean, Faculty of Science and Director of Academic Planning & Quality Assurance, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Prof. Emmanuel Chuks Ugbolue, stated that Nigeria has grown rapidly on Petrochemical Industry and done very poorly in the Polymer Industry.

He quipped that in the ‘80s, Nigeria used to have 134 textile mills, but presently having less than 25, which are working below capacity.

According to him, raw materials currently used by the polymer industry in Nigeria are being imported, a situation that is not favourable to Nigeria’s economy.

While disclosing that Delta State used to be highest producer of rubber in Nigeria, the academia enjoined the federal and state governments to invest in the Polymer Industry, so as to generate millions of jobs for Nigerians.

Fresh Angle International can report that others who spoke at the event included: Honourable Commissioner for Education, Delta State, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Represented by Mrs. Oderhowho Kehinde, President, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Sunday Okeniyi represented by Dr. Ebitimi Peter Berezi, parents and students.

High point of the event was colourful presentation to winners. While Ate Ovie Great from NEPA Staff Secondary School, Sapele, went home with the first prize, second prize winner was Jack Gogo Ataisikup from Government College, Ughelli, leaving Oyawiri Martin from Our Saviour Saviour Secondary School, Sapele with the third prize.

Mr. Emmanuel Evwierejeria from NEPA Staff Secondary School, Sapele emerged the best Chemistry Teacher in the state, while second position went to Mr. Anthony Mukoro of Government College Ughelli, with Mrs. Onwenna Doris of Our Saviour Secondary School, Sapele winning the third position, even as there was consolation prizes to schools. 

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