More than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate students from host communities along the Trans National Pipeline corridor received scholarship funds from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, as part of a N2 billion initiative targeting 1,500 graduates and undergraduates.

The beneficiaries, drawn from federal, state, and private universities, are students from communities along the Trans National Pipeline secured by PINL. The presentation of scholarship cheques took place in Yenagoa, with company officials and student representatives in attendance.

PINL's General Manager of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, stated that the initiative reflects the company's commitment to human capital development within its host communities, stressing the role of education in securing long term stability across the Niger Delta.

Mezeh also announced that the firm's Women Empowerment Grants Disbursement had officially commenced, describing it as a significant milestone that directly addressed concerns raised during previous stakeholder engagements.

"Where communities are empowered, infrastructure is protected; and where infrastructure is protected, a nation's prosperity is secured. This principle continues to guide our operations and engagements at PINL," he stated.

He further emphasised the importance of local surveillance, economic inclusion, transparency, and trust in sustaining peaceful and productive relationships between PINL and its host communities.

Two beneficiaries from the Niger Delta University, Albert Lazarus and Kenos Samuel, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the funds would ease their financial burdens and strengthen their academic performance. Both pledged to protect the company's pipeline infrastructure and contribute meaningfully to their fields upon graduation.

The students, studying disciplines including civil engineering and procurement and logistics management, described the scholarship as a turning point in their academic journeys.