The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for demonstrating that the local content policy can be a force for transforming lives and creating socio-economic value through community-focused interventions.
Key Highlights
- NCDMB commended: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised the NCDMB for using local content initiatives to create socio-economic impact in communities.
- New ICT centre commissioned: A state-of-the-art ICT Centre was commissioned at Ika Comprehensive High School in Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State.
- Modern digital facilities: The centre features 50 networked desktop computers, a smart board, projector, server room and Starlink high-speed internet.
- Capacity for 70 users: The facility includes air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, store and separate convenience facilities.
- Reliable power supply: It is equipped with a 15kVA generator and 15kVA solar power system with battery backup.
Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at Ika Comprehensive High School, Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State, the minister said such a strategic investment in the area, with vast possibilities for research and online learning through diverse educational platforms, would bolster human capital development, digital literacy and sustainable community development.
The ICT centre, built and equipped by the NCDMB, comprises a modern computer laboratory with 50 networked desktop workstations, an interactive smart board, projector, server room and Starlink high-speed Internet connectivity to support digital learning, research and computer-based examinations.
Designed to accommodate up to 70 users, the facility also features air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, store and separate convenience facilities.
Power reliability is supported by a 15kVA generator and a 15kVA solar power system with battery backup, complemented by a dedicated network infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
According to the minister, the ICT center is more than a building equipped with computers; stressing that it is an “investment in the future of our children and a gateway to knowledge, innovation, creativity and opportunity.”
He noted that nations that invest in the digital education of their young people today are the ones that will lead the world in future.
The minister said the initiative of the board aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by advancing access to quality education, youth empowerment, digital transformation and inclusive economic growth, as young Nigerians in rural communities acquire relevant digital skills and competencies to participate effectively in a technology-driven economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, the Director, Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, stated that digital literacy and ICT capacity development remain a key component of the board’s human capital development mandate aimed at building a skilled workforce for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the broader economy.
He noted that the facility would provide students with access to digital learning, research tools, artificial intelligence and global knowledge resources.
“This ICT centre is more than a building; it is an investment in the future of our young people,” he stated, adding that “it represents the board’s commitment to extending Nigerian content objectives beyond industry into classrooms, where innovation, technology and skills development can empower the next generation.”
Ogbe stressed that the project’s long-term success depends on collaboration among the board, the school and the host community.
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He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance and sustainability for future generations.
Principal General of Ika Comprehensive High School, Mrs. Nkom John Umoette, described the ICT centre as a transformative intervention that would bridge existing digital access gaps.
She noted that the school lacked an ICT facility, which constrained students’ exposure to digital learning and computer-based education.
A representative of the community commended the minister and the NCDMB for the delivery of the ICT centre, noting that the facility would significantly improve access to digital learning and computer-based examinations.
He recalled that students previously travelled to Uyo and neighbouring communities to register for and take examinations such as JAMB, incurring additional costs and facing logistical challenges
