The beneficiary institutions are the University of Ibadan; Rivers State University (RSU); Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Kano; University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka-Enugu; and the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

NLNG Managing Director, Adeleye Falade, announced the commitment in a statement issued on Tuesday. The statement was jointly signed by Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, and Obinna Ezeobi, NCDMB’s General Manager of Corporate Communications Division.

Under the Nigerian Content Research and Development Professorial Chair Endowment Programme, each of the six universities will receive $1.5 million (N2.13 billion). Falade explained that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with NCDMB under the supervision of its Directorate of Planning, Research and Statistics.

He described the funding as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s ability to convert academic research and knowledge into practical solutions through partnerships involving government, industry and universities.

“The research will address industry challenges, including operational efficiency, emissions management, safety, critical infrastructure and sustainable industrial processes,” he said.

According to Falade, the programme will strengthen institutional collaboration through specialised programmes, academic exchanges, sabbatical opportunities, practical research and the joint development of postgraduate curricula.

The six participating universities will conduct research across different areas, while the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering at Rivers State University will coordinate the initiative.

Falade disclosed that discussions were already underway with Rivers State University regarding implementation arrangements. He also acknowledged the support of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, towards the partnership.

He further revealed that potential industry partners, including Google, Cisco and MTN, had expressed interest in contributing to the initiative.

The NLNG managing director encouraged the beneficiary universities to pursue additional research funding, expand institutional partnerships and commercialise intellectual property generated through the programme.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining long-term commitments to technology transfer and the development of locally driven solutions while ensuring compliance with quality assurance and safety standards.

Meanwhile, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, called on the participating universities to focus on applied research capable of resolving challenges within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Ogbe described the endowment programme as a strategic investment in strengthening the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Source: Peoples Gazette (NAN)