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By Gabriel Dike
The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) built a multi-million Geosciences Centre of Excellence in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to boost the production of manpower needed for the industry.
The promoter of the centre described it as the first of its kind in the country and is equipped with state-of-the-art learning and research facilities, including a seismic laboratory, modern library and a digital museum.
According to the promoter of the centre, the delivery of the project was also made possible with the support of co-venture partners, ExxonMobil and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited.
In her speech, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola described the centre as a collaborative effort funded by NNPC, SNEPCo and NCDMB and also as a legacy positioned to significantly enhance research, innovation and manpower development in the Geosciences and the allied disciplines.
According to her, the university has been waiting a long time for today, adding, “this project has traversed the tenures of four VCs from its initial conception in 2010 during the administration of the 10th VC the late Prof. Babatunde Sofoluwe to the 11th VC Prof. Rahman Bello, who strengthened the conceptual framework by repositioning it as an industry–university linkage centre, to Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, 12th VC when the design and scope were optimized for improved efficiency, feasibility, and alignment with institutional priorities till today in the time of the 13th VC, its doors will be opened for business.”
She continued: “At UNILAG we do not give up or abandon legacies. We build on the works of previous managements. Each VC since the 10th has carried the vision forward so you can be rest assured that your investment is safe with us. The 14th, 15th and others coming behind us will continue to build on this investment too.”
Ogunsola said the institution is honoured to be collaborating with SNEPCo to boost training in deep-water oil and gas exploration and specialized research and practical training for geosciences students.
The VC added that the centre would serve as a vessel for interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration across diverse fields of Geosciences, Engineering, Computer, Physics and Environmental Sciences.
She also stressed that the centre will offer them the opportunity to develop capacity to unlock new avenues of inquiry and empower our scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge.
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“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 laboratory 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 energy industry.”
She said UNILAG, in liaison with the donor, has articulated a sustainability framework for the centre, incorporating long-term institutional funding commitments, strategic industry partnerships, periodic technology upgrades, and structured maintenance provisions to ensure the facility remains operationally efficient, academically relevant, and globally competitive over the long term.
The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, in his address said the project is a clear testament to the partners shared commitment to expanding quality education in the country.
His words: “Today’s commissioning builds on SNEPCo’s expanding the legacy of investment in Nigeria’s education sector, reflecting our long-standing belief in the transformative power of learning.”
Adams described the centre as a national asset and encouraged others in the energy sector to partner with UNILAG, fund research, support student projects, create internships, and mentor emerging talents.
In his speech, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, said the partnership reflects “our shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s academic infrastructure and advancing national technical capacity within the energy sector.”
Ojulari who was represented by Mr. Olanrewaju Igandan, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, said with the centre, students will gain hands-on exposure to modern tools used in today’s energy industry, while operators and service firms will benefit from reliable in-country testing capabilities that improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, noted that the centre is a catalyst for deeper collaboration between academia and industry.
Ogbe commended UNILAG for its commitment to excellence and its partnership with the project. He also congratulated stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of the Geosciences Centre of Excellence.
