Ibeno HCDT targets tertiary students in 2026/2027 scholarship scheme

Tony Okoh, Uyo

NNPC/SEPLAT JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (IHCDT) has reopened its scholarship scheme for the 2026/2027 academic session, inviting qualified indigenes of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State studying in accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria to apply.

The scholarship programme is open to students in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other government-approved tertiary institutions, covering both fresh intakes and returning students.

The Trust said documentation and eligibility assessment had commenced, with applicants expected to obtain and submit the prescribed documents between September 21 and November 30, 2026.

Speaking with journalists at the Trust’s office in Upenekang on Sunday, the Management Committee Lead of IHCDT, Engr. James Utiaruk said the scholarship programme underscored the Trust’s commitment to education and human-capital development in Ibeno.

Utiaruk described education as an important pathway to individual advancement and social transformation, stressing that supporting the education of young people represented an investment in the future of the community.

“Education remains a vital pathway to individual advancement and development as an agent of social transformation of the society,” he said.

According to him, the scholarship goes beyond providing financial assistance, as it is designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

He said sustained investment in education was critical to producing a generation of educated and skilled youths capable of contributing to the sustainable development of Ibeno.

Requirements for Fresh Students
The 2026/2027 scholarship exercise is open to qualified Ibeno indigenes enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Fresh intakes are required to submit their Certificate of Origin, school certificate, including SSCE, WAEC or NECO results, JAMB or school admission letter and acceptance fee receipt.

Requirements for returning students

Returning students are expected to provide their Certificate of Origin, previous school fee receipts, confirmation letter from their school faculty or registrar, current academic CGPA and school identification card.

The Trust said the latest intervention was a continuation of its scholarship and other educational support programmes aimed at reducing the financial burden of tertiary education on Ibeno students and their families.

Over the years, the educational interventions have provided financial assistance to youths pursuing higher education, helping beneficiaries remain in school while improving their prospects of acquiring qualifications for employment, entrepreneurship and community development.

The programme comes amid rising financial pressures associated with tertiary education, with scholarship support providing assistance to families struggling to meet the educational needs of their children.

The initiative also demonstrates the potential role of the Host Community Development Trust framework in directing benefits associated with oil and gas operations towards human-capital development and other interventions in host communities.

Interested applicants are expected to obtain and complete the application forms and submit the required documents in line with the conditions of the scheme at the Trust’s office along Ibeno-Eket Road, Upenekang, Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

Beyond the scholarship programme, the IHCDT said it had continued to pursue initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and socioeconomic conditions of the Ibeno host community.

Its development priorities include education, flood control, electrification, healthcare, human-capital development, marine transportation, fisheries, security and other community-oriented projects.

The Trust said the areas reflect its broader responsibility of supporting sustainable development in the Ibeno host community through resources associated with the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture.