By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
TOTALENERGIES Upstream Nigeria Limited, on Thursday, formally handed over a multi-million naira model classroom block excellently executed by Mosiland Engineering Ltd (MEL) to Ogbomoso Grammar School in Oyo State.
The state-of-the-art project, donated under the NNPC/TotalEnergies Joint Venture with partners SAPETRO, CNOOC and Meren, was sited on a 2,500 square metres space and included a two-storey classroom block and a detached administrative building.
Representative of the Soun of Ogbomoso land unveiling and officially inaugurating the classroom edifice
Stonix News reports that the ground floor of the new structure houses six classrooms, two laboratories, a library, offices, a cleaner’s room and storage facilities.
The first floor comprised six additional classrooms, an ICT centre, server room, two more science laboratories, nine toilets and a general store.
The administrative block comes complete with fully furnished offices for the principal, vice principal, academic staff, a reception, a sickbay and store.
According to the project brief, the initiative was designed to increase interest in STEM studies, provide access to modern ICT tools, and extend opportunities to neighbouring schools.
Frontal view of the edifice
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Managing Director and Country Chair of TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, described the project as a deliberate intervention to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria while strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in the country.
He said that the project will not only improve the quality of teaching and learning but will also lead to several positive outcomes for beneficiaries for the school and society at large.
According to him, the location of the facility was carefully chosen to make the most impact and is in line with the government’s drive to ensure more children have access to education.
“The construction and donation of this classroom block was inspired by the need to provide quality education to school children in Ogbomoso and other neighbouring towns in Oyo State.
Side view of the edifice
“We firmly believe that improvement in the quality of teaching and learning will not only lead to several positive outcomes for beneficiaries of this facility but also for the larger society in the years to come.”
“This project will eliminate the teaching of science and ICT as theory-only study fields. It will provide pupils with the opportunity to explore the vast fields of science and ICT while equipping teachers with modern skills and information.”
“This investment is targeted at supporting the government’s effort at reducing the worrying number of out-of-school children in many parts of Nigeria today,” he stressed.
“This facility has been designed to aid the teaching and learning of science subjects in a practical way through the fully equipped four science laboratories and state-of-the-art ICT centre provided,” Bouyer said.
The TotalEnergies chief explained that the initiative aligned with Goal Four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The plaque
He added: “We are proud that this project also resonates with the efforts of education authorities in Nigeria to expand access to decent learning environments for children across the country.”
Bouyer further highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to education development.
He cited the distribution of geoscience resources to six universities, including the University of Lagos, Federal University of Technology, Akure, and University of Ibadan, as well as several scholarship programmes.
“Our National Merit Scholarship Scheme has supported over 30,000 students since 2003,” he disclosed.
“The TotalEnergies International Scholarship, jointly sponsored by NNPC Ltd and partners, has seen more than 150 Nigerians undertake postgraduate studies overseas.
“Our Community Scholarship Scheme has existed since 1973 and has benefitted hundreds of students in host communities.”
He also mentioned the Empowering the Teachers Fellowship, which sends Nigerian science and engineering lecturers to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Oluwaseyi Omotowa, who represented NNPC Ltd, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education.
“This facility is a testament to our commitment to supporting education and empowering the next generation.
“We believe that quality education is key to unlocking individual potential and driving community development,” he said.
He added that the block would provide a conducive learning environment, enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for students.
Frontal view of the building
Omotowa thanked the project managers, the school administrators and the host community for their cooperation, while commending TotalEnergies and other partners for their dedication to community development, which aligns with NNPC’s values.
“As we unveil this model secondary school classroom block today, we are confident that it will serve as a hub for learning, innovation and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potential,” he concluded.
Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Daisy Danjuma, Executive Vice Chairman of SAPETRO; Mr Li Chunsheng, Managing Director of CNOOC Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited; Mr Emeka Phil-Ebosie, Managing Director of Meren and representatives of the Soun of Ogbomoso land.
In their goodwill remarks, the partners collectively applauded the project as a shining example of how partnerships can deliver meaningful impact. They pledged continued collaboration in supporting social investments across Nigeria.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mosiland Engineering Ltd, Engr. Peter Aluko, thanked God and TotalEnergies and partners for the successful completion of the project despite the numerous challenges encountered during its execution.
He also expressed appreciation to the financiers and members of the Ogbomoso community for their confidence in his firm’s ability to deliver a multi-million-naira project of such magnitude.
The Ogbomoso community and government representatives also expressed appreciation for the facility, describing it as a timely intervention that will change the face of learning in Ogbomoso.
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