ONNA
NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) have sponsored the registration of 200 candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Akwa Ibom State. The initiative aimed at promoting education and empowering young people, covered students from eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) within its operational base in the state.
Speaking at the registration exercise, the Clan Head of Onion Clan in Onna Local Government Area, Barr. Sam Efik, who represented the Paramount Ruler, His Majesty Raymond Inyang, commended NOSL for prioritizing the welfare and education of the people. He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying diligently to pass the examination.
The Community Development Manager, Ms. Emem Thomas, reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to supporting education in their host communities.
“Today, we are giving out free JAMB forms to students across eight local government areas in Akwa Ibom State. We worked with village heads and paramount rulers to identify intelligent students who could not afford the registration fees. We encourage them to study hard and pass the examination,” Thomas said.
Joseph Otu, a beneficiary from Essene community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, describing it as a rare and much-needed opportunity.
“For years, no company has done this in Akwa Ibom. Many students want to further their education but lack financial support. I commend NEPL and NOSL and urge them to continue this initiative,” he stated.
Samuel Francis Umah, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for NOSL in Essene, highlighted the thorough selection process.
“The selection covered different clans in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. Candidates were screened based on their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) results to ensure they met the requirements for university admission. This initiative is commendable, and we hope the companies will go beyond JAMB registration to sponsor students through their tertiary education,” Umah said.
Margaret Ikemesit Smith, the Coordinator of the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre, described the registration process as smooth but acknowledged challenges with generating profile codes due to National Identification Number (NIN) issues.
“We appreciate NEPL and NOSL for sponsoring these students. Many parents are relieved because this support eases their financial burden. It’s truly an empowerment initiative,” she said.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude, pledging to work hard to excel in the examination. “I sat for JAMB last year but didn’t gain admission because my WAEC result wasn’t good. This year, I have re-registered for WAEC and JAMB, and I am determined to do better. I appreciate the company’s support,” said Idara Ezekiel Etukufot from Ikot Abasi.
Rose Udo Jimmy described the initiative as a “show of love and empowerment,” while Bright Jonathan from Ibeno admitted that financial constraints would have prevented him from registering for JAMB this year. “I wasn’t expecting to write JAMB because of the cost, but thanks to this sponsorship, I now have the opportunity. I will study hard to succeed,” he said.
Parents also lauded the initiative. Daniel Ekanem Udo, a parent from Ikot Abasi Onion Onna, said he had lost hope of registering his child for JAMB due to financial difficulties. “I am grateful to NEPL and NOSL for this initiative. I pray for God’s blessings upon them,” he said.
With this sponsorship, NEPL and NOSL have reaffirmed their commitment to community development and youth empowerment, providing a pathway for young people in Akwa Ibom State to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries including the clan head of Onion clan, and many others.
Discussion about this post