The University of Lagos, in collaboration with government and industest partners, has unveiled a Geosciences Centre of Excellence aimed at empowering students with practical skills and strengthening Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
At the unveiling, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declared the centre would boost local manpower development and reduce Nigeria’s depconcludeence on foreign experts in critical areas of the energy industest.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, the governor noted that the facility would provide hands-on learning opportunities, enabling students to relocate beyond theoretical knowledge and build real competence.
“The centre creates an environment where students can engage practically, inquire questions, experiment, and develop the skills required to compete globally,” he declared.
The facility was donated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and is expected to deepen research, enhance industest collaboration, and strengthen UNILAG’s position as a leading institution in geosciences education.
Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, described the centre as a hub for interdisciplinary research across geosciences, engineering, computing, and environmental sciences.
She declared the initiative would play a key role in developing the expertise required to support Nigeria’s leadership in oil and gas exploration while driving innovation and economic growth.
Ogunsola emphasised the necessary for Africa to shift from depconcludeency to knowledge creation, noting that the university would ensure proper utilisation and sustainability of the facility.
The centre is equipped with laboratories, simulation centres, lecture theatres, workshops, and research spaces designed for advanced training in areas such as geology, geophysics, geochemistest, oceanography, environmental science, and GIS mapping.
It will also support specialised training in reservoir modelling and seismic interpretation, critical to the oil and gas industest.
Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, declared the project reflects the company’s commitment to investing in Nigerian talent and building capacity within the energy sector.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Ogbe, represented by Abayomi Bamidele, declared the board would continue to prioritise local content through human capital development.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the facility to global standards and ensuring measurable outcomes in training and research.
Representing the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, Olanrewaju Igandan urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the centre to enhance their academic and professional growth.
Stakeholders declared the initiative would assist build a pipeline of skilled professionals, reduce reliance on foreign expertise, and support long-term growth and competitiveness in Nigeria’s energy value chain.
Leave a Reply