Lagos: TotalEnergies E and P Nigeria Ltd. has called on students to develop a robust reading habit and focus on books that align with their personal and professional aspirations. Mr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director (Deepwater Asset) of the company, emphasized this during the company’s 2025 Annual Book Reading and Open Day for secondary school students in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event’s theme, ‘Paragraphs, Pages, and Chapters: Unlocking the Secrets of Success through Reading’, highlights the role of reading in enhancing knowledge, creativity, and lifelong learning. Bandele underscored TotalEnergies’ commitment to education as a means of empowering communities, noting that the company has been investing in educational initiatives for over 60 years.
Bandele shared that between 2012 and 2020, over 30,000 youths have benefited from community scholarships, while more than 39,000 students have received awards under the National Merit Scholarship Scheme since 2003. He also mentioned the achievements of the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, which has produced over 700 graduates since 2003.
The Empowering the Teachers Fellowship Programme, organized with NNPC Ltd. and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has provided professional development for over 110 Nigerian lecturers since 2010. Bandele highlighted TotalEnergies’ ongoing investment in educational infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of classrooms, libraries, and laboratories across Nigeria.
This year’s reading session featured “The Potter’s Wheel” by Chukwuemeka Ike, a novel known for its exploration of character, discipline, and growth. Bandele emphasized the importance of the Book Reading and Open Day event in allowing students to interact with TotalEnergies employees and explore potential career paths.
Teachers and students praised TotalEnergies for the initiative, noting its role in promoting literacy, research, and educational development. Mrs. Anuoluwapo Oyeleye, a teacher at Vetland Senior Grammar School, commented on how the programme motivates students to enhance their reading and research skills.
Mr. Ajetomobi Ayoola, a teacher at Abesan Comprehensive Senior College, remarked that the event fosters continuous learning and offers insights into TotalEnergies’ contributions to education. Student participants also expressed appreciation, with Miss Agada Benice from Doregos Private Academy acknowledging the company’s positive influence on education.
Miss Emmanuella Nnaji of Vetland Senior Grammar School highlighted the workshop’s impact on students’ understanding of life objectives and goals, encouraging her peers to strive for success. The event saw participation from 10 schools across Lagos, reflecting a broad engagement in educational empowerment.