Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), together with its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has commissioned a state-of-the-art geosciences centre at the University of Lagos.
The facility, approved by the NCDMB under its Human Capacity Development programme, was established to strengthen technical skills in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The initiative focuses on upgrading universities and technical institutions to produce skilled manpower for the industry and related sectors.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said human capital development remains central to the Nigerian content policy. He noted that the new centre demonstrates a commitment to building local expertise and enhancing Nigeria’s role in the global energy industry.
He added that geosciences plays a vital role in the discovery of new oil and gas reserves, stating that the centre will support efforts to drive new energy projects in line with Federal Government priorities.
Represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, he further disclosed that geosciences is among the top skills included in the NCDMB’s Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training programme, which aims to train 10,000 Nigerians for emerging opportunities in the sector. He confirmed that the UNILAG centre will take part in the programme.
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 importantly, the human side of things, which involves building human capacities.”
On the choice of UNILAG, he explained that institutions are selected based on identified strengths and existing competencies, noting that the university already has strong capacity in geosciences and related fields. He added that similar centres would continue to be established across the country.
He also urged students and staff to make full use of the facility to enhance their learning and professional development.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Tolani Sule, called on stakeholders across various sectors to develop home-grown solutions for sustainable development.
He said locally developed knowledge and skills are essential in addressing challenges in areas such as infrastructure and environmental management.
According to him, “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.”
He further stated, “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,”
The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mr Ronald Adams, described the centre as a national asset and encouraged stronger collaboration between industry and academia. He called for partnerships, research funding, student internships, and mentorship programmes to strengthen talent development.
He also expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited, the NCDMB, and other partners for their support in delivering the project.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would enhance research capacity, expand learning opportunities, and equip students with modern skills through advanced laboratories and digital resources.
She noted that the university, in collaboration with stakeholders, has developed a sustainability framework to ensure long-term maintenance, funding, and continuous upgrades, keeping the facility relevant and globally competitive.