As part of its commitment to encouraging learning and academic excellence, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its Joint Venture partners in OML 18 – the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Total Energies EP Nigeria, Nigerian Agip Exploration, and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) – have donated a 2,300-seater state-of-the-art digital library to the Niger Delta University, which is located on Wilberforce Island, Amassoma in Bayelsa State.
According to a statement signed by NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, the digital library, which is a two-storey complex equipped with cutting-edge information technology amenities, including 100 computer systems, e-learning and research facilities, interactive smart boards, projectors, camcorders, e-books, e-journals, e-learning portal, and reading halls, was handed over to the school authority on Thursday, April 18.
Other facilities in the library include a Wi-Fi lounge, print and document hall, video and audio recording equipment, photography and online education centre, e-distant learning hall, chief librarian and departmental offices, IT rack room, newspaper archive stack room for new arrivals, as well as conveniences.
The library complex is also equipped with a 500KVA power generator, a 500KVA transformer, and a dedicated water borehole fitted with water purification facilities.
The e-library is designed to promote ICT education and provide a conducive learning environment for students and researchers in the school to keep them abreast of global IT practices and advancement.
Present at the commissioning and handover ceremony of the project were the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Evwrudjakpor; pro-chancellor of NDU, Matthew Seiyefa; the vice-vhancellor of NDU, Prof. Allen Agih; representative of the executive secretary of NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru; the deputy manager, external relations, NNPC Ltd, Edith Lawson; the managing director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor; and the managing director of SNEPCo, Elohor Aiboni.
