In a strategic move to foster inclusive development and educational empowerment, the NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has launched the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP), a landmark initiative aimed at supporting 300 first-year students from its host communities who are enrolled in government-owned universities across Nigeria.
The initiative was officially announced through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) and is being hailed as a game-changer in local content development and youth empowerment. It aligns with the vision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates deeper community engagement and development by oil and gas operators.
Applications Open July 21, Final List to Be Announced in September
The application portal for the scholarship opens on July 21, 2025, with a transparent and merit-based selection process, including online testing and screening. Successful beneficiaries will be unveiled in September 2025, just in time for the start of the academic calendar.
His Royal Majesty Dr. Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OML 17 HCDT, described the scholarship as a “pathway to a better future.”
“We are proud to roll out a transparent, merit-based scholarship that will provide real access to education for those who need it most,” he said. “This is not just a scholarship; it is a transformative tool.”
Also speaking, Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable community growth through education.
“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.”
The OML 17 HCDT, Nigeria’s largest Host Communities Development Trust in the oil and gas sector, was established to implement long-term, impactful development across 73 host communities. This scholarship program is one of several strategic investments aimed at reducing inequality and building capacity at the grassroots.
Eligible students from OML 17 host communities are encouraged to apply online atheirsenergies.com/scholarships. Further details and eligibility criteria will be made available through the website and local communication channels such as community bulletin boards, youth associations, and town halls.
