Schneider Electric commits to SDGs

Energy technology company, Schneider Electric has restated its commitment to working with the relevant authorities in Nigeria to advance the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education and decent work and economic growth.

Country President, Schneider Electric, West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to expanding learning opportunities when the company unveiled a multimodal centre at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny Island, Rivers State, designed to ease commuting challenges and provide students with convenient access to examination facilities.

The centre represents Schneider Electric’s proactive response to a critical educational need in Nigeria and underscores the company’s commitment to SDGs.

“At Schneider Electric, access to education is one of our top priorities because no child should be left behind. As a global energy technology leader driving efficiency and sustainability across industries, businesses, and homes, we wanted to bring that same spirit to Bonny Island. What began as a JAMB centre has grown into a multi-testing facility, providing students with convenient access to examination facilities and creating meaningful opportunities for the community. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to making a lasting impact,” Akindele said.

The initiative further strengthens Schneider Electric’s 25-year legacy of partnership, innovation, and sustainable development in the country. By providing access to essential testing and training facilities, the centre empowers young people in Bonny Island and supports pathways to education, skills development, and employment.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, Se Alabo Abel Adafe Attoni, Community Leader, Bonny Island, highlighted how the centre eliminates costly and time-consuming travel to Port Harcourt, as well as the security risks associated with such journeys. “The benefits cannot be quantified. Presently, travelling from Bonny by sea costs around twenty thousand naira excluding accommodation. For families, this centre has brought peace of mind. We are grateful to Schneider

Electric for taking up this initiative and to his majesty the king for ensuring this community responsibility was fulfilled. This centre sets us above most communities in Rivers State,” he said.

Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric West Africa, Omobolanle Omotayo, spoke on the challenges students face and how the centre helps address them.

“Students have multiple challenges, and we have solved one of them by creating the multimodal centre. For every level of education, you must be tested, and it is easy for students to hit a roadblock and give up. With this facility, they can write their tests and exams conveniently and progress to other institutions. We aim to inspire, and we hope this centre shows them what is possible,” she explained.

Acting Rector, Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Dr Akos Noel Ibrahim, described the centre as a catalyst for improving the quality of training in the polytechnic.

 “This centre elevates the standard of teaching by helping our students and staff stay current with industry trends. With the internet facilities, we can install study packages and other resources that give our students the leverage to compete globally. Through this centre, we are already receiving partnership requests from examination bodies to further strengthen the polytechnic,” he said.

On energy stability at the facility, Ajibola added: “The power infrastructure is being provided largely by NLNG, and for us, it is ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. Schneider Electric has provided a backup system to guarantee consistent electricity.”

Schneider Electric continues to demonstrate that true innovation goes beyond products and technologies to include co-creating sustainable, community focused solutions that shape brighter futures.

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The company said it is driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.