US-based oilfield services company Schlumberger is throwing its support behind Guyana’s premier learning institution with the supply of computer systems, software and training.
The contribution was made to the University of Guyana’s Geotechnical Computer Laboratory on Wednesday.
According to a press release from the Department of Public Information, the facility will benefit students from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining, Geological Engineering and Civil Engineering Departments in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
Delivering remarks at the opening of the lab, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said the collaboration with Schlumberger will serve to boost the facility and build the capacity of students.
“The students of the University of Guyana will undoubtedly climb to higher heights as a result of this collaboration. The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to the long-term partnerships of this premier institution that is responsible for shaping the minds and lives of our young people,” the Minister said.
Managing Director of Schlumberger (Trinidad and the Caribbean), Sean Herrera, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and training for Guyanese students.
“Schlumberger is pleased to be donating computer workstations and Petrel geoscience software licenses. This embodies the aforementioned commitment by Schlumberger to educational development,” Herrera stated.
“Petrel is one of the most widely used geoscience software platforms globally in the industry, not only therefore will the university students be using world-class software to augment their curriculum, they’ll be entering the workplace with valuable knowledge of and experience with a platform likely to be used by prospective employers locally and indeed globally,” he further added.
UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said that institution must train students with the country’s wider needs in mind.
“We as a University cannot afford the luxury of being only reflective of what the university’s needs are. We’ve got to pursue, reflect and plan in regard to what the nation’s needs are. Part of what we are doing in the University is to institutionalise our ability to go beyond what we have in the building of partnerships,” Griffith explained.
The laboratory facility was refurbished with funds from the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC’s grant while the computer systems along with the relevant software and training were provided by Schlumberger. The facility is expected to also serve students of UG’s Tain campus.
