HYPREP awards postgraduate scholarships to 500 Ogoni graduates

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 500 Ogoni graduates in Rivers State.

The HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed this at the scholarship award ceremony on Friday, saying the scheme was designed to build human capacity and support research in different academic fields.

He said the programme was part of HYPREP’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland, including the promotion of alternative livelihoods.

Zabbey urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to contribute to the development of Ogoni and participate in efforts to address the environmental challenges facing the area.

“I congratulate all the beneficiaries of the HYPREP Ogoni Postgraduate Scholarship. For many of you, it is finally a dream come true. Beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni,” he said.

He added, “Education gives you knowledge, but it also places a responsibility on you to use that knowledge to improve society.

“I encourage you to see this scholarship as a call to service. As researchers in different fields, you must understand that you hold an important place in shaping the future of Ogoni.”

The project coordinator urged the beneficiaries to develop ideas and solutions to address challenges facing their communities.

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He said the scholarship was intended to prepare graduates to participate in different sectors of the economy and contribute to sustainable development.

Zabbey said HYPREP would continue to implement projects aimed at environmental remediation and improving livelihoods in line with the UNEP report.

He, however, said the agency could not achieve its objectives without the contributions of researchers and other stakeholders in Ogoni.

“Just as the success of the Ogoni clean-up exercise requires the commitment of all stakeholders and partners, Ogoni’s future depends on the contributions of its people, particularly postgraduate students,” he said.

Zabbey listed government institutions, Rivers State Government agencies, local government councils, Ogoni communities, traditional institutions, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited and civil society organisations among HYPREP’s partners.

Of the 500 beneficiaries, 300 master’s degree students received ₦500,000 each, while 200 PhD students received ₦1m each.