As part of the Human Capital Development Programme for the NLNG Train 7 Project, over three billion Naira (US$6m) has been set aside for the strengthening of the LNG and Gas Research Centre at the University of Port Harcourt.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote made this known on Wednesday when the acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Stephen Okodudu paid him a courtesy visit at the Board headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The NCDMB is a key stakeholder in the NLNG project and played an active part in the determination of the Capacity Development Initiatives (CDI) from the project. Wabote outlined the objectives of the investment in the university to include the establishment of LNG & Gas Research center that will run sustainably and provide solutions to the Oil and Gas industry, equipping selected engineering laboratories and expansion of some facilities.
The intervention would also train some lecturers to operate the facilities as well as establish digital laboratories linked to simulations at the center. He hinted that under the Human Capital Development for the Bonga North West project by the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), the sum of US$.70m had been set aside for the provision of subsea technology equipment and a 23-seater bus will be delivered to the school in quarter 2 of 2021.
The NCDMB boss applauded the participation of Uniport Students in the ongoing Science, Technology and Innovation Challenge which the Board sponsoring. He mentioned that the top institutions in the competition will get facility upgrade. In his remarks, Prof Stephen Okodudu commended the Board for the developing and promoting indigenous participation in the oil sector.He appreciated the Board for various capacity development interventions it had initiated in the university.
Okodudu sought closer collaboration with NCDMB particularly in Research and Development. He enumerated the research interests of the university and expertise which could form the basis of strong partnership between the two institutions. He also called on the Board to always consider UNIPORT in all NCDMB programmes, particularly in Research and Development and other areas.
