Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, alongside its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, has commissioned a world-class geoscience centre at the University of Lagos, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria\u2019s technical manpower base for the oil and gas industry.\n<\/p>\n
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The facility, delivered under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development programme, is designed to support training, research, and innovation in geosciences and related disciplines.\n<\/p>\n
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Speaking at the commissioning, Felix Omatsola Ogbe said human capital development remains central to Nigeria\u2019s local content strategy, noting that the new centre reflects a deliberate effort to build indigenous expertise and enhance competitiveness in the global energy market.<\/p>\n
Represented by Abayomi Bamidele, he explained that geoscience skills are critical to discovering new oil and gas reserves and unlocking future energy projects in line with the policy direction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.\n<\/p>\n
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He added that geosciences form a key component of the Board\u2019s Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, which aims to equip 10,000 young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills. The newly commissioned centre is expected to play a strategic role in achieving that target.\n<\/p>\n
Ogbe further emphasised the Board\u2019s commitment to strengthening local capabilities across the oil and gas value chain, noting that institutions selected for such interventions are chosen based on proven competence and capacity.\n<\/p>\n
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Representing the Lagos State Government, Tolani Sule said the centre would help prepare a future-ready workforce, not only for the energy sector but also for environmental management and infrastructure development.\n<\/p>\n
He stressed the need for Nigeria to reduce dependence on foreign expertise by investing in local talent and homegrown solutions.\n<\/p>\n
The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Ronald Adams, described the facility as a national asset and called on industry players to deepen collaboration with the university through research funding, internships, mentorship, and student development initiatives.\n<\/p>\n
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He also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, joint venture partners, and the NCDMB in delivering the project.<\/p>\n
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Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would expand research opportunities and provide students with practical exposure in areas such as reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation, and core analysis.\n<\/p>\n
She added that the university has established a sustainability framework for the facility, including institutional funding, industry partnerships, periodic upgrades, and structured maintenance to ensure long-term impact.\n<\/p>\n
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The initiative reflects a broader push to align Nigeria\u2019s education system with industry needs, particularly in sectors like oil and gas where technical expertise remains critical to growth and value creation.<\/p>\n
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