Literacy as a Catalyst for Change
Education is fundamental to the development of individuals, communities and countries. As we commemorate International Literacy Day (8 September), we at FIRST E&P reaffirm our commitment to empowering the communities in which we operate, and beyond through education.
Literacy is not merely the ability to read and write; it is a gateway to knowledge, opportunity, and a brighter future. But with a national literacy rate of just 59.7%, many Nigerians lack the essential tools needed to navigate life’s challenges, fully participate in society, or contribute to the economic and social development of their communities.
We are committed to contributing to addressing this literacy crisis in a meaningful way. Recognising that access is a significant barrier, our NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture ‘Best in Rural KEFFES Scholarship Scheme’ (BiRKE) provides scholarships to academically gifted but underprivileged students in these areas. We also extended our support through the Special Foundation Inspire Scholarship programme.
However, financial support alone is not enough to drive educational empowerment. Many local schools struggle with low student-to-teacher ratios, which negatively affects the quality of education and places immense pressure on teachers. In response, we partnered with the KEFFES Rural Development Foundation (KRDF) in 2020 to employ 72 new teachers in our host communities, improving the student-to-teacher ratio from 1:10 to 1:5. Additionally, we sponsored the training of 50 teachers at the University of Lagos to enhance their curriculum delivery.
In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in education, yet many Nigerian schools lack the resources to implement it effectively. To bridge this gap, we partnered with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to provide 100 units of solar-powered K-YAN devices to 30 secondary schools and technical colleges across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa-Ibom states. These devices offer students access to an interactive teaching and learning platform that combines the functions of a fully operational computer into a single, compact unit, significantly enriching the classroom experience.
Our commitment to education extends beyond our host communities, acknowledging that children across the nation are often deprived of quality education. The ongoing crisis in the northeast has displaced many children and severely affected the region’s educational infrastructure. In response, our NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture completed an educational infrastructure project in Bauchi State, with a project implementation cost of over N900 million naira, specifically targeting communities serving Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Launched in 2022, the project involved the comprehensive rehabilitation of six schools, addressing critical issues such as dilapidated buildings, non-functional toilets, and a lack of learning supplies. Significant upgrades were made, including new roofs, structural repairs, classroom furniture, and enhanced school laboratories, along with the installation of functional toilets. To further support these communities, solar-powered boreholes were installed, ensuring access to clean water and addressing vital Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) needs.
As we mark International Literacy Day, we are reminded of the profound impact that education has on individuals and communities alike. Our commitment to fostering literacy and improving educational infrastructure is not just about supporting students today; it's about building a foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. By investing in scholarships, enhancing teacher quality, integrating technology into classrooms, and rehabilitating schools, we are empowering the next generation to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. Together, through continued support and collaboration, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, creating a ripple effect that transforms communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Together, we can make a difference—one child, one community at a time.
