LAGOS, NIGERIA– Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Business Limited (SNEPCo), in collaboration with its Joint Endeavor (JV) partners and the Nigerian Material Advancement and Keeping An Eye On Board (NCDMB), officially commissioned a modern Geoscience Centre at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Friday, April 17, 2026.
The facility is a cornerstone of the Nigerian Content Person Capability Advancement (HCD) programme, aimed at removing Nigeria’s dependence on external know-how in the oil and gas sector.
The centre is geared up with innovative simulation labs and tank modelling tools, placing UNILAG as a primary center for seismic interpretation and core analysis in West Africa.
Enhancing the “Human Side” of Energy
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, represented by the Director of Capability Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele stressed that geosciences are the vital path to finding brand-new oil and gas deposits.
He exposed that the company is currently training 10,000 young Nigerians in important industry abilities, with geosciences ranked amongst the leading ten priorities.
“There are 3 things we deal with: patronising items produced in-country, using local assets, and most significantly, the human side of things, which includes building human capabilities,” Ogbe specified.
Read also: Oyetola commissions UNILAG’s ultra-modern maritime institute building.
Why UNILAG was Picked:
-
Proven Competencies: Data-driven recognition of the institution’s existing strength in geosciences.
-
Institutional Readiness: The university’s capability to integrate modern simulation into its current curriculum.
-
Strategic Area: Proximity to major energy corporate headquarters in Lagos.
A National Property for Homegrown Solutions
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Tolani Sule, hailed the centre as a driver for “homegrown options.”
He noted that the abilities developed within the facility would extend beyond oil and gas into ecological management and city facilities.
“Nigeria can not continue to rely greatly on external competence in crucial sectors. We need to train our own professionals,” the Guv asserted, enhancing Lagos’s status as a hub for innovation and enterprise.
The Handling Director of SNEPCo, Mr Ronald Adams, characterised the centre not as a “Shell facility,” however as a national property.
He extended an open invitation to other energy gamers to partner with UNILAG, fund research study, and develop internship pipelines for the emerging skill.
He especially thanked the NNPC Limited for its undeviating management in making the intervention possible.
Technical Capabilities of the New Centre:
-
Reservoir Modelling: Anticipating the flow of oil and gas through permeable rocks.
-
Seismic Analysis: Mapping underground structures utilizing acoustic waves.
-
Core Analysis: Comprehensive lab research study of physical rock samples.
-
Simulation Labs: Hands-on digital environments for field operation training.
Sustainability and International Competitiveness
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, ensured stakeholders that a robust sustainability structure has been developed.
This includes long-term funding commitments and routine technological upgrades to ensure the centre stays internationally competitive.
Influence on the Oil and Gas Value Chain
As Nigeria seeks to increase its everyday oil production and gas utilisation under the policy directives of President Bola Tinubu, the UNILAG Geoscience Centre is expected to play a vital function.
By producing “industry-ready” graduates, the center straight supports the NCDMB’s required to increase the portion of regional content in high-value technical operations.
The occasion concluded with a trip of the center, where industry leaders revealed optimism that the next generation of Nigerian geoscientists will now be trained on the same equipment used in the world’s most innovative oil fields.