NCDMB Establishes Six Centres of Excellence to Drive Oil and Gas Innovation
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has established six Centres of Excellence across Nigerian universities to promote research, innovation, and human capital development in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for oilfield technology and knowledge transfer. The Centres of Excellence are located across the six geo-political zones: Niger Delta University, Adamawa University of Technology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University of Technology Akure, Usman Danfodio University, and Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Focus Areas and Capacity Building
According to the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the centres were strategically designed to address critical areas such as gas studies, engineering design, welding technology, and safety management. Speaking through Mr. Omomehin Ajimajiye, Acting General Manager, Midstream Monitoring and Evaluation, Ogbe stressed that the initiative would nurture the next generation of oil and gas experts.
“We deliberately partnered with leading universities because sustainable local content cannot thrive without research and innovation. These Centres of Excellence will groom the next generation of oil and gas experts,” Ogbe stated.
Equipped for Applied Research
Ogbe revealed that the centres are equipped with modern facilities to conduct applied research and provide industry-driven training for students and professionals. He further disclosed that collaborations with international oil companies and service providers would ensure practical solutions to industry challenges.
“We want our universities to stop being theoretical enclaves. With this intervention, they are now solution providers for the oil and gas industry,” he added.
