By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Seplat Energy Plc are finalizing plans to launch a Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University (DELSU). The initiative is a strategic move to deepen research and local capacity within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The project, developed from a long-term roadmap by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen research, innovation, and industry-academia linkages. Similar centers have already been approved in other universities nationwide to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industrial application.
Representing the Board, Abdulmalik Halilu disclosed that key frameworks covering infrastructure, equipment, policy, and sustainability have been agreed upon. He noted that technical teams have already been mobilized to drive the implementation phase, reaffirming the commitment of the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to ensure the project’s successful execution.
Speaking on behalf of Seplat Energy, Simeon Ogari stated that the choice of DELSU was strategic due to the university’s proximity to key operational assets. He added that the center will serve as a specialized hub for advanced research and technology development, particularly in the areas of gas processing and utilization.
Project managers emphasized that the success of the initiative hinges on a “triple helix” collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector. This synergy is considered critical to achieving sustainable outcomes and bridging existing gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
Responding to the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Professor Samuel Oghenovo Asagba, assured that the institution would meet all necessary requirements for a smooth take-off. He highlighted the availability of experienced academics and researchers ready to support the center’s objectives.
When completed, the centre is expected to drive cutting-edge research, support high-level capacity development, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy space, while promoting local content and indigenous innovation.