Why TotalEnergies Built Multi-Million Naira Modern Classroom Blocks For Anambra Pupils

By Chuks Eke

TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited has explained its decision to build multi-million Naira modern classroom blocks at Model Nursery/Primary School, Igbo-Ukwu, in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to the organisation, the project fulfills its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and aims to provide quality education in the state, improving teaching and learning at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra-modern classroom blocks in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, stated that the facility was built, furnished, and equipped with modern facilities for the staff and pupils of Model Nursery and Primary School, located within Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igboukwu. He noted that this initiative is part of the company’s social investment program designed to complement the government’s efforts in providing quality and sustainable education in the state.

Bouyer, who addressed the audience virtually, explained that TotalEnergies is committed to giving back to society and supporting the sustainable development of local communities. The company aims to provide children in these communities with access to modern educational resources and engaging learning environments.

Project Manager, Ekwedam handing over the keys of the newly completed classroom blocks to Principal of Model Nursery/Primary School, Igboukwu.

“We firmly believe that improvements in the quality of teaching and learning will lead to positive outcomes for the beneficiaries of this facility and for the larger society in the years to come,” said Bouyer. He added that the investment was strategically located to maximise its impact and support the government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

“Beyond the classroom experience, this facility is designed to aid the teaching and learning of subjects interactively through the fully equipped essential elements of a standard educational facility. Our contributions towards education development in Nigeria extend beyond this. Recently, we provided geoscience resources to six universities across the country, including the University of Lagos, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the University of Ilorin, the University of Ibadan, the University of Port Harcourt, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.”

“At TotalEnergies, we understand and appreciate the value of education and its role in the development and growth of any human society. That is why we will continue to invest in infrastructure that boosts the quality of teaching and learning in all regions where we operate.”

Bouyer commended the partners and other stakeholders, including the state and local governments, the beneficiary community, and the project managers, for their support.

Earlier, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, explained that the facility demonstrates the company’s strategic partnership and commitment to supporting education and community development.

“We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and this classroom block will provide a conducive learning environment for the pupils of Igbo-Ukwu. This classroom block represents a significant milestone in our efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the communities,” Omotowa said.

“We are confident that it will positively impact the learning outcomes and prospects of the pupils. I would like to express my gratitude to the community leaders, teachers, and pupils for their warm reception and enthusiasm,” Omotowa added.

The Headmistress of Model Nursery and Primary School, Igbo-Ukwu, Ifeoma Ezeokeke, commended the donors for the project, noting that the school was fortunate to be selected for the “lofty investment” aimed at boosting the quality of teaching and learning.

Ezeokeke stated that the infrastructure would significantly improve the learning environment for the students, helping to prepare them for a brighter future.

The headmistress, teachers, pupils, and community leaders expressed their gratitude after the formal handover of the classroom keys to the school management.

Dr Chris Ekwedam, Project Manager, Carmels Tekno Ltd, explained that the single-story structure includes two equipped and furnished offices, six classrooms (each with 20 tables and chairs accommodating up to 40 students), white magnetic boards, desks, and chairs for teachers.

According to Ekwedam, the structure also includes separate male and female toilets and wash areas designed for accessibility. Each section is intended to support the practical needs of academic activities and health requirements, providing a functional environment suitable for students and staff.

“This project is an initiative by TotalEnergies and partners, including NNPC Limited, CNOOC, SAPETRO, and MEREN 234, aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning at the grassroots level.”