NNPC/Heirs Energies JV Launches Transformative University Scholarship For OML 17 Host Communities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) have unveiled an ambitious scholarship programme aimed at empowering the youth of the OML 17 host communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP), launched through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), will provide financial and academic support to 300 first-year students enrolled in government-owned universities across Nigeria. This landmark initiative, one of the largest of its kind in the nation’s oil and gas sector, underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable development through education.
Announced on 20 July 2025 in Lagos, the programme targets students from the 73 communities within the OML 17 oil block, located north of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. The scholarship, which aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is designed to bridge educational inequalities and promote human capital development. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited, hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of the company’s dedication to shared prosperity. “Education is the foundation of progress,” Igiehon said. “By empowering young people with access to learning, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Eligible students, studying any academic discipline at Nigerian public universities, can apply for the scholarship from 21 July 2025 via the official portal at heirsenergies.com/scholarships. The application process will include online testing and screening, with the final selection of 300 beneficiaries to be announced in September 2025, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. Detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines will also be shared through community notice boards and local outreach efforts to ensure accessibility.
His Royal Majesty Dr Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the OML 17 HCDT Board of Trustees, described the programme as a “game-changer” for the region’s youth. “This is not just a scholarship; it is a pathway to a brighter future,” he said. “We are proud to offer a transparent, merit-based opportunity that provides real access to education for those who need it most.” The OML 17 HCDT, established under the PIA, represents the largest host community development trust in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, serving as a model for transparency and community-focused development.
The scholarship programme is part of a broader mission to drive sustainable growth and economic empowerment across the OML 17 communities. Earlier this year, the HCDT launched a free medical outreach initiative, providing healthcare services to over 4,500 residents across 15 communities in Rivers State, further demonstrating its commitment to improving lives. With the USP, the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV is setting a precedent for corporate social responsibility, offering a blueprint for how oil companies can contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.
This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact, equipping young people with the tools to build a brighter future while fostering inclusive growth in the Niger Delta. As applications open, the programme promises to unlock new opportunities for the region’s next generation of leaders.[](