Schneider Electric SE, the global energy management and automation company, has unveiled a multimodal examination and testing centre at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny Island, Rivers State, in a move aimed at easing long-standing commuting challenges faced by students in the riverine community.

The facility, which provides access to multiple testing and examination platforms, addresses a critical infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s education system, where students in remote areas often travel long distances at high cost to sit for mandatory exams. The initiative also aligns with Schneider Electric’s sustainability strategy and its support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Speaking at the launch, Ajibola Akindele, Schneider Electric’s Country President for West Africa, said the project reflects the company’s belief that access to education is foundational to long-term economic development. “No child should be left behind,” Akindele said. “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 that creates meaningful opportunities for students and the wider community.”

The centre builds on Schneider Electric’s more than 25-year presence in Nigeria, where the company has combined commercial operations with partnerships focused on capacity building, innovation and sustainable development. By offering reliable testing and digital infrastructure, the Bonny Island facility is expected to improve access to education, skills development and, ultimately, employment for young people in the region.

For residents, the impact is both financial and social. Se Alabo Abel Adafe Attoni, a community leader in Bonny Island, said students previously had to travel by boat to Port Harcourt to sit for exams, often at significant expense and personal risk. “Travelling from Bonny by sea costs around ₦20,000, excluding accommodation,” Attoni said. “For families, this centre has brought peace of mind. The benefits cannot be quantified, and it places our community above most others in Rivers State.”

Schneider Electric executives said the project was designed with an understanding of the broader barriers students face. Omobolanle Omotayo, Marketing Manager for Schneider Electric West Africa, noted that examination logistics can be a decisive obstacle. “At every level of education, students must be tested, and it is easy for them to hit a roadblock and give up,” she said. “With this centre, they can write their exams conveniently and continue their academic journey. We hope it inspires them to see what is possible.”

The polytechnic’s management views the centre as a strategic upgrade to its academic capabilities. Dr. Akos Noel Ibrahim, Acting Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, said the facility would help staff and students remain aligned with global industry standards. He added that the internet-enabled infrastructure is already attracting interest from examination bodies seeking partnerships.

Energy reliability, a persistent challenge in Nigeria, has also been addressed. Akindele said the centre’s primary power supply is supported by Nigeria LNG Ltd., with Schneider Electric providing a backup system to ensure uninterrupted electricity.

With the Bonny Island project, Schneider Electric is positioning community-focused infrastructure as a core element of innovation, extending its impact beyond products to solutions that support inclusive growth and long-term development.