University of Basrah to Equip Petroleum Engineering Laboratories Through ExxonMobil Grant
- Over 45,000 Iraqi students expected to benefit over the next 20
years
ExxonMobil Iraq Limited is contributing 1.2 billion Iraqi dinar (US$1
million) to equip petroleum engineering laboratories at the University
of Basrah to be used by students seeking careers in Iraq′s oil and gas
industry. This grant will also fund faculty and curriculum development
under which some 46,000 students are expected to study over the next 20
years.
There is a growing demand for highly skilled Iraqi professionals to work
in the oil and gas sector. 'With funding from ExxonMobil Iraq Limited,
the university will be able to improve significantly the petroleum
engineering department′s educational capacity, while supporting the
broader objectives of the college of engineering,? said University of
Basrah Chancellor Saleh Al-Qernawi.
'A highly skilled technical workforce is crucial to the country′s future
success. In parallel, the ability of the university to further develop
its faculty for a growing student body is the key to preparing the next
generation of innovators,? said James Adams, ExxonMobil Iraq vice
president. 'The ExxonMobil grant will support the university in
educating internationally qualified professionals and professors in
support of Iraq′s energy priorities.?
The College of Engineering at the University of Basrah is focusing on
increasing the number of qualified engineers in Iraq, particularly in
the southern region of the country. In 2008, it established a department
of petroleum engineering.
ExxonMobil Iraq Limited (60% interest) is the lead contractor working
with the South Oil Company of Iraq to redevelop and expand the West
Qurna I field along with the Oil Exploration Company of Iraq (25%
interest) and Shell West Qurna B.V., a Royal Dutch Shell affiliate (15%
interest).
ExxonMobil and its affiliates have a long history of supporting
education programs from pre-school through higher education in regions
around the world, with a special emphasis on science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.
More information is available at http://exxonmobiliraq.com.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas
company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world′s growing
energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of
resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products,
and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more
information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.
ExxonMobil engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance
education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has
significant operations. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve
basic education, promote
women as catalysts for development, and combat
malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries.
In 2010, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil
Corporation (NYSE:XOM), its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil
Foundation provided $237 million in contributions worldwide, of which
$110 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on
ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is
available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.
ExxonMobil Upstream
Media Relations, 713-656-4376 (USA)
or
ExxonMobil
Iraq Limited
07801402999 (Iraq)
