UNILORIN, NNPCL plan engineering research centre, set up joint committee

The University of Ilorin and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have begun moves to establish a research centre aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and the energy industry.

Both institutions have constituted a joint strategic committee to work out the framework for the proposed partnership and the establishment of a centre that will focus on engineering innovation and technology-driven research.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Ilorin by Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs at the university.

According to the statement, the initiative followed discussions between the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Wahab Egbewole, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, who led their respective teams during talks on the collaboration.

Akogun said both parties agreed to create a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin, which they described as the first of its kind in West Africa.

Focus on practical engineering and industry expertise

The proposed centre is expected to focus on practical engineering solutions and technology-driven research, to strengthen innovation and bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs.

According to the statement, the collaboration will also include the endowment of an NNPCL professorial chair at the university to support high-level research and promote industry expertise in engineering and related fields.

“Discussions between the two parties centred on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University, the first in West Africa,” Akogun said.

“It will be dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research and the endowment of an NNPC professorial chair at the University to promote industry-leading expertise.”

The joint committee established by the two organisations will work on refining the details of the partnership and is expected to present its recommendations within four weeks.

Members of the University of Ilorin delegation involved in the discussions included Mukhtar Etudaiye, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology and Innovation.

Other participants were Mansur Alfanla, the university registrar, and Joshua Olaoye, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, among others.

Observers say partnerships between universities and major industry players are becoming increasingly important for strengthening research capacity, encouraging innovation and equipping students with practical skills needed in the labour market.

If finalised, the collaboration between UNILORIN and NNPCL could boost engineering research and technological development in Nigeria, while also providing a platform for closer cooperation between academia and the country’s energy sector.

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