Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, with its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Friday commissioned a world-class geosciences centre at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The facility was approved by NCDMB and executed by SNEPCo and its JV partners as part of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development programme, which has focused lately on institutional strengthening, equipping universities, and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, in a bid to develop competent technical
manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.
In a statement on Sunday in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated 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.
Represented by the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele pointed out that geosciences was included in the top ten 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.
The UNILAG geosciences centre will participate in that programme, he assured, adding that NCDMB prioritises patronage of locally made goods and capacities.
He said, “There are three things we work on. First, any good produced in-country, as long as it can be applied in the oil and gas industry, the law requires that we patronise you. Secondly, if you own any asset that is very useful in the oil and gas industry and you have our requisite certificates, the law requires that you get patronage. Lastly, and most important, the human side of things, which involves building human capacities.”
On why UNILAG was chosen for the project, the NCDMB boss explained that projects are selected 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 centres 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.
The 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.
“To colleagues in the broader energy community, we extend an open invitation. This is not a Shell facility; it is a national asset,” he said. “We encourage you to partner with UNILAG, fund research, support student projects, create internships, and mentor emerging talent.
“The dividends will be measured in innovation, capability, and national progress.”
He appreciated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) for its unwavering leadership and partnership, as well as co-venture partners for their consistent support in delivering interventions that positively impact Nigerians.
“We extend our gratitude to the NCDMB, the Executive Secretary, and his team, who played a critical role in the success of this project, exemplifying the strength of purposeful collaboration,” he added.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would offer the school the opportunity to develop capacity, unlock new avenues of enquiry, and empower its scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge.
“It will equip our students with the critical skills and forward-thinking mindset necessary to thrive through hands-on learning with advanced teaching technology, simulation laboratories, and library facilities for research and knowledge-sharing, as well as serve as a hub for studying fields such as reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation, and core analysis to prepare students for the industry.
“In addition, the university, in liaison with the donor, has articulated a clear sustainability framework for the centre, incorporating long-term institutional funding commitment, strategic industry partnerships, periodic technological upgrades, and structured maintenance provisions to ensure the facility remains operationally efficient, academically relevant, and globally competitive over the long term,” she said.
GIK/APA