NLNG and NCDMB Launch ICT Centre to Enhance Digital Education in Port Harcourt

A New Era of Education and Technology in Rivers State

In a significant move aimed at enhancing education and promoting technology-driven learning, the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has partnered with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to commission a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre and upgraded learning facility at Baptist High School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen human capacity and foster innovation within Nigeria’s educational system.

The project, overseen by the NCDMB’s Institutional Strengthening Division, marks another milestone under the Federal Government’s Human Capacity Development framework. It aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which emphasizes the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians play an active role in the country's industrial growth.

Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, General Manager of Infrastructure and Capacity Building, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. He stated that the partnership between NCDMB and NLNG demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable development, education, and technological advancement.

“This project exemplifies what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships between government institutions and corporate organizations,” Sheba said. “Through this initiative, NLNG has once again demonstrated its unwavering support for Nigerian Content Development and the vision that drives it.”

The newly remodeled facility and ICT Centre are expected to significantly enhance teaching and learning at Baptist High School. Students will now have access to digital tools that encourage innovation, creativity, and digital literacy.

“The remodeled and fully equipped ICT Centre we are commissioning today stands as a testament to our commitment, one that will nurture innovation, creativity, and digital literacy among students for years to come,” he added.

Sheba reiterated NCDMB’s mandate to deepen local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by developing indigenous capacity across the value chain. “Our responsibility is to ensure Nigerians are not just consumers but active participants — innovators, service providers, and contributors to the nation’s industrial growth,” he explained.

Empowering Youth Through Education and Development

At the event, Mrs. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, commended NCDMB for its collaborative efforts, which she described as essential for building a sustainable future for Nigerian youths.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with NLNG’s long-standing dedication to human capital development and sustainability,” Horsfall stated. “Since the commencement of our operations in 1999, NLNG has continually invested in capacity development through scholarship schemes that support thousands of young Nigerians at all levels of education.”

Horsfall also emphasized NLNG’s Enterprise Development Programme, which provides training, mentorship, and capital support for emerging entrepreneurs. Additionally, the company continues to invest in the education and health sectors through its Universities Support and Hospital Support Programmes.

“We believe that sustainable progress begins with empowered people. Our goal is to build human capacity that drives innovation and development in Nigeria,” she said.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The ceremony brought together representatives from both NCDMB and NLNG, staff and students of Baptist High School, as well as members of the host community. The event concluded with a group photograph and a tour of the newly equipped ICT Centre, showcasing the transformative impact of this initiative on the local educational landscape.

This collaboration between NLNG and NCDMB highlights the potential of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change. By investing in education and technology, these organizations are laying the foundation for a more skilled and innovative workforce in Nigeria.

With the new ICT Centre, Baptist High School is now better equipped to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. The facility will serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and technological exploration, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

As the project moves forward, it is hoped that similar initiatives will be replicated across the country, ensuring that all Nigerian students have access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed. The success of this partnership serves as a model for future collaborations that prioritize education, technology, and sustainable development.