Business Post Contributor
As a vehicle that catalyzes growth, education plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of communities and countries where it is given priority and commitment. Hence, the rapid transformation that such societies undergo over the years after educating the citizens, particularly the youth, confirms that investment drives societal and technological advancement.
This conviction propels Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s foremost power generation company to consistently promote quality education in the environment where it operates.
Nestled amidst the bustling host communities – Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan, the company’s commitment extends beyond generating electricity. As a responsible corporate organization, Egbin Power Plc recognizes that education contributes to the progress and development of people in the host communities.
That informs why the company instituted a scholarship programme that continues to illuminate the path toward a brighter future for residents in the host communities.
Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders
Currently in its eighth year, the multi-million Naira annual scholarship programme encourages academic excellence among students in the host communities. The scholarship offers more than just financial support to the beneficiaries. It demonstrates the desire of GenCo to improve the quality of life of the people, and also to nurture the potential of young minds to become the next generation of leaders who will advance the socio-economic development of the communities.
Apart from covering tuition fees for beneficiaries, the beneficiaries are provided with free textbooks, uniforms, and other educational materials, therefore ensuring that the students have everything they need to excel.
To qualify, the participants undergo a verification and selection process, conducted by an independent body, to ensure the scholarship reaches deserving students from various schools in the host communities. The scholarship features activities including pre-tests, and boot camps that help the children develop problem-solving abilities, team spirit and social skills.
Every year, students who qualify for the scholarship programme are given admission into the Powerfields Group of Schools which was established by Egbin Power Plc. The school, located within the serene and secure premises of the company, offers nursery, primary, and secondary education (both day and boarding options) for children of employees of the company, providing all the students with a conducive environment for them to flourish academically and personally.
Speaking at the 2023 edition of the scholarship programme tagged “Unstoppable Champions,” Mokhtar Bounour, the Chief Executive Officer of the company explained that, “education remains the bedrock of transformational advancement of societies, socio-economic growth and human capital development, which our company strongly promotes through its various initiatives.
“To continuously develop our community, society, or nation, we must educate our children because education brings sustainability, and progress and raises future leaders for a more prosperous society. Education is one of the pillars of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is the platform through which we give back to the society where we operate. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people around us.
“At Egbin Power, we realize the significance of quality education, that is why we have continued to provide the scholarship programme in our host communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, which aims to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.’
While commending the new set of students who were recently granted the scholarship, Bounour rejoiced with their parents and families. He also encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies to make their parents and teachers proud.
“Egbin Power Plc strongly believes that these students will positively impact their various communities and further encourage their peers to pursue academic excellence and commitment to self-development,” Bounour emphasized.
A Beacon of Excellence:
The impact of the Egbin Power scholarship ripples far beyond the individual beneficiaries. By equipping students with the platform to develop their knowledge and skills to succeed, the programme fosters a culture of academic excellence within the communities.
“I am so grateful to Egbin Power for this scholarship. It has allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my dreams,” shares Abimbola Akinbiyi, a scholarship recipient in Powerfields Groups of Schools.
Her father, Mr Mark Akinbiyi, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Egbin Power is doing a wonderful thing for our community. This program is giving our children a chance to succeed.”
Ridwanullahi Sharafa, a student of the school, who also emerged as a beneficiary praised the Genco, the Management and staff for creating the platforms to support students with the scholarship.
The Principal of Powerfields Group of Schools (College), Mrs Folahanmi Adesina said: “Egbin Power Plc deserves commendation for discovering brains and talents from the community through the scholarship platform. I also want to applaud the management and staff for their unwavering support to the beneficiaries over the years, while also promoting the school as a brand.” She urged the students to continue to do their best in their education.
Similarly, the Head Teacher of the Elementary section, Olufunke Winful, commended Egbin for investing in the future of the students and for putting smiles on the faces of their teachers and parents. “We remain committed to guiding the students, monitoring them and ensuring that they excel in their academic and other aspects of life,” she said.
A Legacy of Hope
Apart from the scholarship programme, GenCo annually supports public primary and secondary schools in the host communities by donating furniture, textbooks and other educational materials. Egbin Volunteers Team, comprising employees of the company, also take time out to impart knowledge and celebrate special occasions with the students. These include International Day of the Girl Child, International Literacy Day and World Book Day, among other activities.
Egbin Power’s commitment to education is not just a local initiative; it aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” By providing access to quality education and empowering future generations, the company plays a vital role in building a more sustainable and prosperous future for its host communities and beyond.
By investing in education, Egbin Power is illuminating the path towards a future where children in the host communities have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of the communities and nation as a whole.
The scholarship programme and other interventions provided by the company represent the symbol of hope, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for people in Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan communities.
