NLNG, NCDMB commit $9m to research in six varsities

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and Nigeria LNG Limited have launched a $9m professorial chair endowment programme for six Nigerian universities to develop commercially viable solutions to industry challenges, strengthen local research capacity and promote technological innovation.

Under the Nigerian Content Research and Development Professorial Chair Endowment Programme, each university will receive $1.5m to establish a specialised professorial chair focused on agreed industry research priorities.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the NCDMB under the supervision of its Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, who disclosed this at the kick-off ceremony in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, described the programme as an investment in Nigeria’s capacity to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions.

Falade said the beneficiary institutions were the University of Ibadan, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Kano State, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State; and University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government, industry and academia.

“In the energy industry, we understand that technology and energy systems are evolving, and the requirement for sustained research cannot be overemphasised.

“Specifically, on the NLNG Research and Development Professorial Chair Endowment Programme, NLNG, under the supervision of the Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate of the NCDMB, will be endowing six Nigerian universities with the sum of US$1.5m each for the establishment of professorial chairs to focus on industry-related research, with the aim of providing commercially viable practical solutions to industry challenges,” Falade said.

He said the programme would support research into critical challenges facing the energy industry, including improving operational efficiency, managing emissions, strengthening safety, maintaining critical infrastructure and making industrial processes more sustainable.

Beyond the research endowments, Falade highlighted opportunities for a “triple helix” approach, bringing government, industry and academia together through specialised programmes, sabbaticals, exchange opportunities, practical testing of research assumptions and joint development of postgraduate curricula.

The six universities will conduct research in distinct areas, while the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering at Rivers State University is expected to serve as the coordinating hub for collaboration among the institutions.

Falade said discussions were ongoing with the university on implementation arrangements.

He also commended the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, for his role in advancing the proposed collaboration.

“We have already got indications of interest from other partners like Google, Cisco and MTN, who are showing interest in supporting this initiative,” he added.

Falade said the programme would also provide opportunities for younger researchers to deepen their expertise, investigate industry problems and learn from experienced academics and practitioners.

He urged the beneficiary institutions to build on the endowments by strengthening research partnerships, attracting additional funding and pursuing the commercialisation of intellectual property.

“Expand the scope, reach for more grants and funding which can push the frontiers of knowledge and commercialisation of intellectual property,” he said.

While acknowledging the NCDMB’s role in bringing the initiative to fruition, Falade called for sustained commitment to technology transfer and the development of home-grown solutions without compromising quality assurance and safety.

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He said the programme’s lasting value would be reflected in stronger institutions, research outcomes deployed in the field and the development of the next generation of Nigerian researchers and industry professionals.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, described the US$9m endowment as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Ogbe, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Austin Uzoka, said the initiative complemented the board’s ongoing investments in research infrastructure, including the establishment of specialised research and development centres of excellence across six universities.

“Taken together, these interventions demonstrate the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s commitment to creating an integrated research ecosystem that connects academic expertise, modern research infrastructure, industry requirements and commercialisation opportunities.”

He said the professorial chairs would help bridge the longstanding gap between academic research and industrial application by supporting specialised research in critical areas of industry operations.

The NCDMB boss urged the universities to shift from research focused primarily on publications to research that delivers practical applications, and from treating innovation as an academic pursuit to using it as a driver of industrial transformation.

According to him, the beneficiary universities must regard the endowment as both an opportunity and a responsibility, with expectations of delivering “clearly defined research objectives, measurable outcomes, prudent resource utilisation, effective stakeholder engagement and sustained collaboration with industry partners.”

“These professorial chairs will generate commercially viable solutions, strengthen local technological capabilities, support industrial competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he added.

A joint statement by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall, and NCDMB’s General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Obinna Ezeobi, provided details of the research areas assigned to the universities.

The statement said the University of Ibadan would focus on natural gas processing, pollution control and environmental management, while Rivers State University would concentrate on digital engineering, intelligent energy systems, automation and asset integrity.

Modibbo Adama University would undertake research in energy transition and the environment, while Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology would focus on sustainable energy innovation and climate-resilient food systems.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, would specialise in green energy production and geoenvironmental engineering, while the University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) would focus on geoscience and satellite intelligence for resilient gas infrastructure.

The statement added that each university would work towards agreed research targets and commercialisation pathways to measure progress and translate findings into practical applications.

The institutions would also jointly host an information management hub to support knowledge sharing and exchange programmes.

It said the funding included provision for minor civil works and infrastructure upgrades to convert designated spaces into suitable research centres.

“Proposed arrangements would enable industry professionals to contribute practical expertise in technical and non-technical disciplines while pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

“This would give students greater exposure to industry experience while strengthening the connection between postgraduate study and practical problem-solving,” the statement read.