The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has launched the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP) to support educational development in its host communities.
The initiative is being implemented through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) and aimed to provide financial and academic support to 300 first-year students from the host communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, by Mr. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited.
Mr. Igiehon emphasised the company’s commitment to investing in the future of its host communities through education.
Igiehon said that the scholarship programme aligns with the Trust’s broader mission to promote sustainable development through education and human capital investment, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He also said eligible candidates from OML 17 host communities could apply for the scholarship via the official scholarship portal: (link unavailable).
”Full eligibility criteria and application procedures will be available on the website, as well as through community notice boards, flyers, and local outreach channels, ” he added.
The OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) was established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 by the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV to drive sustainable development and economic empowerment across 73 host communities.
The scholarship programme is a transformative step for the region, providing a pathway to a better future for the youth in the host communities.
According to him, “The scholarship will provide financial and academic support to 300 first-year students from the OML 17 host communities, who are currently enrolled in government-owned universities across Nigeria, regardless of their field of study.
“This initiative aligns with the Trust’s broader mission to promote sustainable development through education and human capital investment, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Applications for the scholarship open on July 21, 2025, and will be followed by an online testing and screening process.
“Final selections and the official announcement of the 300 beneficiaries are scheduled for September 2025, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
“Education is the foundation of progress. By empowering young people with access to learning, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.
“At Heirs Energies, we believe that shared prosperity begins with shared opportunity,” he said.
His Royal Majesty Dr Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the OML 17 HCDT Board of Trustees, described the programme as a new chapter in the efforts to uplift the youth in the host communities.
He emphasised that the scholarship programme offers real access to education for those who need it most, and is a commitment to transparency, inclusion, and long-term impact.
