In a landmark step toward empowering host communities through education, the NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture, via the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), has launched the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP) to support 300 deserving first-year students across Nigeria.
The fully-funded scholarship will benefit undergraduates from the 73 host communities of OML 17, offering them financial and educational support to pursue any course at government-owned universities nationwide.
This initiative is a key part of the Trust’s broader mission to drive sustainable development and human capital investment, in alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts to ensure long-term benefit for oil-producing areas.
Applications for the scholarship officially open on July 21, 2025, and will involve a rigorous, transparent online testing and screening process. The final list of 300 beneficiaries will be unveiled in September 2025, in tandem with the start of the new academic session.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Samuel Amaechi, described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity:
“The launch of the OML 17 USP marks a new chapter in our efforts to uplift the youth in our host communities. We are proud to roll out a transparent, merit-based scholarship that will provide real access to education for those who need it most. This is not just a scholarship; it is a pathway to a better future.”
CEO of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr. Osa Igiehon, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative role of education in community development:
“Education is the foundation of progress, and by empowering young people with access to learning, we are building stronger, more resilient communities. At Heirs Energies, we believe that shared prosperity begins with shared opportunity.”
The OML 17 HCDT, formed under the PIA and supported by the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV, is the largest Host Community Development Trust in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, overseeing initiatives across 73 communities. The Trust is known for its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusion, and long-term impact.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply via the official scholarship portal:
👉 heirsenergies.com/scholarships
Comprehensive details about the eligibility criteria and application guidelines will be disseminated through community notice boards, flyers, and local communication channels to ensure inclusive participation.
With this launch, the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV not only reaffirms its commitment to community development but also sets a new benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.