Schneider Electric has launched a multimodal centre at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny Island, Rivers State, marking a major step in its efforts to expand access to education and support youth development in Nigeria, the company said on Thursday.
The facility, designed to ease travel challenges and provide students with reliable access to examination and training platforms, is part of the company’s broader commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Speaking at the launch, the Country President of Schneider Electric West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that no learner should be left behind.
“At Schneider Electric, access to education is one of our top priorities. What began as a JAMB centre has grown into a multi-testing facility, providing students with convenient access to examination centres and creating meaningful opportunities for the community. We are committed to making a lasting impact,” he noted in a statement.
The centre strengthens Schneider Electric’s 25-year partnership with Nigeria, offering young people in Bonny Island improved access to essential testing and training infrastructure and opening pathways to skills development and employment.
A community leader in Bonny Island, Se Alabo Attoni, noted that the centre will significantly reduce costly and risky trips to Port Harcourt for examinations.
“The benefits cannot be quantified. Travelling from Bonny by sea costs around twenty thousand naira, excluding accommodation. For families, this centre has brought peace of mind. We are grateful to Schneider Electric for this initiative. This centre sets us above most communities in Rivers State,” he said.
Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric West Africa, Omobolanle Omotayo, highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to student progress. “Students face multiple challenges, and we have solved one of them by creating this multimodal centre. For every level of education, there is a test. This facility ensures they can write exams conveniently and progress to other institutions. We want to inspire them, and we hope this centre shows what is possible,” she said.
Acting Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Dr Akos Ibrahim, described the centre as a catalyst for improving academic standards within the institution. “This centre elevates the standard of teaching by helping our students and staff stay current with industry trends. With the internet facilities, we can install study packages and other resources that give our students the leverage to compete globally. We are already receiving partnership requests from examination bodies,” he said.
On the power setup for the facility, Akindele added that energy stability is secured through infrastructure provided largely by NLNG, with Schneider Electric offering a backup system to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply.
Schneider Electric says initiatives such as this reinforce its belief that innovation goes beyond products to co-creating sustainable, community-focused solutions that help shape brighter futures for young people across Nigeria.
