Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), a subsidiary of Eni, in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and NAE PSC, has announced the recipients of its 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards Scheme. This initiative grants postgraduate scholarships to 30 outstanding Nigerian graduates, enabling them to pursue advanced studies both within Nigeria and internationally.
From a competitive pool exceeding 1,500 applicants, the scholarship winners were chosen based on their superior academic achievements and their performance in a recent Computer Based Testing (CBT) assessment.
Of the selected scholars, 10 will embark on postgraduate programs at universities abroad, while the remaining recipients will continue their studies at Nigerian institutions. Their fields of study encompass Engineering, Geosciences, Petroleum and Environmental Technology, Energy Economics, Renewable Energy, and Energy Transition, reflecting the sectors critical to Nigeria’s energy future.
During the award presentation held in Abuja, Fabrizio Bolondi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAE, extended his congratulations to the scholars. He emphasized that the scholarships represent a vital opportunity for the recipients to realize their professional ambitions. “This ceremony underscores our unwavering dedication to advancing education, fostering innovation, and building capacity within Nigeria,” Bolondi remarked.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize this chance to acquire expertise that will contribute significantly to the nation’s development, particularly in the energy sector.
Also attending the event were representatives from NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), including Edith Bunmi-Lawson, Manager of External Relations, and Paul Duke, Deputy Manager of PSC Asset A3, who expressed their support for the program.
Established in 2007 by the NNPC-NAE PSC partnership, the postgraduate scholarship scheme is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to human capital development. It aims to enhance knowledge and close the skills gap in specialized areas essential to Nigeria’s deep offshore oil and gas operations.
Since its inception, the program has empowered 350 graduates, equipping them with the advanced skills and expertise necessary to thrive in the industry and contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector growth.
Beyond education, Eni, through NAE, actively promotes sustainable development in Nigeria. Its initiatives span health, education, water access, infrastructure, and community empowerment, reflecting a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility.
Founded in 1996, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited manages Eni’s deep offshore exploration and production ventures. Notably, NAE was the pioneer oil and gas company to extract oil from Nigeria’s deep offshore reserves. The company holds stakes in six deep offshore blocks, serving as either operator or co-venturer.
Eni’s operations in Nigeria are conducted through Agip Energy and Natural Resources (AENR), which holds a 5% interest in the Renaissance Joint Venture, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), which owns 12.5% in OML 135 and 118 (Bonga field) and a 10.4% equity share in Nigerian LNG.
