Eswatini students head to Azerbaijan for petroleum, energy studies

Three Eswatini students are set to study petroleum and energy-related subjects in Azerbaijan under scholarships secured following King Mswati III’s visit to Baku in May.

Brilliance Dlamini and Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini will study for bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering, while Temabhele Shabangu will pursue a master’s degree in chemical engineering, specialising in oil and gas technology, Eswatini Positive News reports.

The scholarships were awarded by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) after the King’s visit, during which he toured several strategic projects, including facilities operated by the Azerbaijani energy company.

SOCAR had pledged during the visit to provide scholarships for Emaswati seeking qualifications in the petroleum and energy sector at the Baku Higher Oil School.

The three students were selected through a competitive process after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, through the Eswatini National Petroleum Company, advertised the scholarship opportunities.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who attended a farewell ceremony for the students before their departure, urged them to remain focused on their studies and to represent Eswatini responsibly while abroad.

He also encouraged them to respect cultural differences and support one another during their studies.

Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela and Attorney General Sifiso “Mashampu” Khumalo likewise called on the students to maintain high standards of conduct and academic performance.

The farewell ceremony was attended by officials from the Eswatini National Petroleum Company and the students’ parents.

The scholarships come as Eswatini and Azerbaijan seek to deepen cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, following the King’s visit to Baku.

During his visit to Baku, King Mswati III met SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and visited the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS).

By Aghakazim Guliyev