PDO celebrates graduation of 73 sponsored scholars

The 54 men and 19 women are the 29th sponsored batch

MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Wednesday celebrated the graduation of 73 of its sponsored scholars who have successfully completed their studies at universities at home and abroad.

The 54 men and 19 women are the 29th sponsored batch to successfully qualify from courses in a range of disciplines since the Company launched its flagship Scholarship Scheme in the 1980s. In total, more than 2,000 students have graduated through the programme.

In 2017, two qualified with PhD’s and there were also 51 Master of Science (MSc) degrees, and 20 Bachelor of Science degrees, with 54 graduating from educational institutions overseas and 19 from universities and colleges in Oman.

The successful scholars, aged 23-35, studied subjects including exploration geophysics, oil and gas pipeline engineering, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering, maintenance management, international securities, investment and banking, information technology, economics and business administration in the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, the United States of America (USA) and Oman.

The official graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat.

Speaking at the event, PDO People and Change Director Ibtisam Al Riyami said: “PDO’s corporate vision is to be renowned and respected for the excellence of our people and the value we create for Oman and all our shareholders. And all those who have graduated are exemplars of that vision.