The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has delivered a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering to the University of Benin.
This initiative aims to enhance manpower development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The newly inaugurated center complements the NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering established at the Rivers State University in 2017.
The Centre of Excellence in Benin, established in 2012, has now been equipped with a purpose-built, one-story facility featuring lecture rooms, an auditorium, offices, an ICT center, powerhouse, borehole, and other essential amenities.
This investment underscores the commitment of SPDC JV and NNPC to foster collaboration, innovation, and the training of future geoscientists.
At the formal handover ceremony, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, expressed joy at the success of the graduates from the Centre. Over 120 graduates have received training, with many contributing significantly to the oil industry and public service, while others pursue doctorate programs.
Mr. Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), highlighted the center’s importance as a hub for scientific exploration, environmental stewardship, and knowledge pursuit. He emphasized its role in training future generations of geoscientists to propel discovery forward in the industry.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami, praised the Centre as a “precious jewel” for the institution.
“Its unique capacity to contribute immensely to local content development for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, through well-structured, industry-focused training in the Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering, is a great source of pride to the University,” she said.
The Centre of Excellence represents a collaborative effort between NNPC/SPDC JV and the University of Benin, designed to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice. Graduates of the center have gained recognition, winning prizes and awards at conferences and exhibitions, with some achieving PhDs within and outside Nigeria.
The NNPC/SPDC JV’s commitment to education is longstanding, with a history of supporting scholarships and other initiatives dating back to the 1950s.
