Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have commissioned a world-class geoscience center at the University of Lagos.(UNILAG).
The facility was approved by the NCDMB and executed by SNEPCo and its joint venture partners as part of the Nigerian content human capacity development programme.
The programme focuses on institutional strengthening, equipping universities and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe remarked that human capital development sits at the core of the Nigerian content mandate, and the new centre reflects a clear commitment to building local capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global energy industry.
He highlighted that geosciences is the pathway to the discovery of new oil and gas deposits and the centre will contribute to NCDMB’s drive to enable new oil and gas projects, in accordance with the policy directives of President Bola Tinubu.
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Represented by the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele, he pointed out that geosciences is included in the top 10 skills in NCDMB’s oil and gas field readiness training, where the agency will train 10,000 young Nigerians in critical industry skills that will position them for opportunities in new oil and gas projects.
On why UNILAG was chosen for the project, the NCDMB boss said projects are chosen depending on the skill sets identified in a particular institution.
He noted that data shows that the institution has competencies in geosciences and other related fields.
He disclosed that the board will continue to promote similar centers across institutions in the country, to assist in developing local capabilities.
He encouraged the staff and students to make optimal use of the facility to improve their knowledge.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu charged players in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy to develop homegrown solutions for sustainable development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, the governor noted that the knowledge and skills developed locally would have wider relevance in environmental management, infrastructure development and other critical areas.
According to him, Lagos depends on the strength of its people, while its growth, resilience and continued success come down to how well its young people are prepared for the future.
“This centre adds to that preparation. It helps us build a workforce that is skilled, confident and ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
“It also strengthens Lagos as a hub for knowledge, innovation and enterprise, where ideas are not just discussed but developed into solutions.
“When you look at it from a national perspective, the importance becomes even clearer. Nigeria cannot continue to rely heavily on external expertise in critical sectors. We must build our own capacity.
“We must train our own professionals. We must develop our own solutions. This is exactly what this centre is designed to support,” he stated.
Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mr. Ronald Adams, in his speech, encouraged UNILAG to explore advanced research, embrace industry collaboration and cultivate a new generation of geoscientists who can excel across academia, corporate leadership, field operations and policymaking.
