VCs, Scholars Applaud TotalEnergies Investments in Science, Engineering Education in Africa

TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, together with NNPC Limited and partners, received commendation from vice chancellors and other global scholars for their remarkable contribution towards the development of science and engineering education in Africa through the Empowering The Teachers programme. At a celebratory symposium and award ceremony held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the academic doyens and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian education landscape were elated as they discussed the impact of the ETT programme and other social intervention initiatives of TotalEnergies on the people of Nigeria. Under the ETT programme, lecturers selected from African universities spend one intensive semester at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to acquire knowledge on innovative teaching methods and on return apply the skills to develop new approach to mould industry-ready graduates. At least 100 lecturers from 40 universities across Nigeria have been beneficiaries of the programme. Managing Director and Chief Executive of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, in his welcome address said that the organisation will continue to invest in people and develop societies through programmes like the ETT. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, while delivering the keynote address at the event stated that TotalEnergies has planted a seed in the African education system through the ETT programme that will yield tremendous harvests for generations to come. Ten other university vice chancellors were also present to brainstorm on the future of engineering education in Nigeria. Seven university lecturers received awards for ‘Outstanding Performance in Teaching’, ‘Exceptional Achievement in Research’ and ‘Innovation Contributions in Curriculum Development’ during the ceremony. Present at the event were representatives of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), as well as the ministries of education from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ondo states. Managing Director of Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited, Elohor Aiboni, Deputy Manager, External Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, and General Manager, Operations Support, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Liu Hui, were among other notable guests at the event.