Nigeria Bets On Homegrown Talent As UNILAG Unveils World-Class Geoscience Centre
In a country seeking to reduce dependence on foreign expertise, Nigeria is increasingly investing in local capacity, and the latest move signals a strategic push into the future of energy and innovation.
The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), alongside its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, has commissioned a state-of-the-art geosciences centre at the University of Lagos, positioning the institution as a hub for advanced research and skills development in the oil and gas sector.
The facility, delivered under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development programme, is designed to strengthen technical expertise and equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills.
Speaking at the commissioning, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, emphasised that building human capital remains central to Nigeria’s energy ambitions.
He noted that geosciences play a crucial role in discovering new oil and gas reserves and will support ongoing efforts to expand the country’s resource base.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, urged Nigerians to prioritise homegrown solutions across sectors.
He stressed that developing local expertise is key to national resilience and sustainable growth.
Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, described the centre as a “national asset,” calling on industry stakeholders to collaborate with UNILAG through research funding, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
Meanwhile, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would open new frontiers in research and innovation, equipping students with hands-on experience in areas such as reservoir modelling and seismic interpretation.
With Nigeria aiming to train thousands of young professionals for emerging opportunities in the energy sector, the new centre underscores a broader shift, one that places local knowledge, innovation, and capacity at the heart of national development.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n