NLNG, NCDMB commit N12.78bn to research in six universities

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have committed $9m (N12.78bn) to establish research centres in six Nigerian universities, targeting practical solutions to challenges in the oil and gas industry.

Each institution will receive $1.5m (N2.13bn) under the Nigerian Content Research and Development Professorial Chair Endowment Programme.

The beneficiary universities are the University of Ibadan, Rivers State University, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Abuja.

NLNG Managing Director, Adeleye Falade, disclosed the investment in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

Falade said the initiative was designed to strengthen local research capacity and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application.

He said the research would address challenges in operational efficiency, emissions management, safety, critical infrastructure and sustainable industrial processes.

The programme, implemented in partnership with NCDMB, will promote academic exchanges, specialised training, practical research, sabbaticals and joint postgraduate curriculum development.

Falade said the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering at Rivers State University would serve as the coordinating centre.

He added that discussions were ongoing with the university on implementation arrangements, while prospective partners, including Google, Cisco and MTN, had expressed interest in supporting the initiative.

Falade urged the beneficiary institutions to attract additional research grants, build stronger partnerships and commercialise intellectual property generated through the programme.

Also speaking, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, urged the universities to prioritise research that addresses practical challenges in the oil and gas industry rather than focusing solely on academic publications.

He said the institutions would be expected to deliver measurable research outcomes, ensure prudent use of funds and establish clear pathways for commercialising their findings.

Ogbe said the funding would also support research infrastructure upgrades and enable industry professionals to contribute practical expertise while pursuing postgraduate degrees.

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Under the programme, the University of Ibadan will focus on natural gas processing, pollution control and environmental management.

Rivers State University will research digital engineering, intelligent energy systems, automation and asset integrity, while Modibbo Adama University will focus on energy transition and the environment.

Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology will undertake research on sustainable energy innovation and climate-resilient food systems.

The University of Nigeria will specialise in green energy production and geoenvironmental engineering, while the University of Abuja will focus on geoscience and satellite intelligence for resilient gas infrastructure.