The University of Lagos has unveiled a Geosciences Centre of Excellence aimed at strengthening research, innovation and training in the oil, gas and allied disciplines.

At the unveiling in UNILAG, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the centre will boost local manpower development and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign experts.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, on Friday, said the centre would enhance human capital development by providing students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Sanwo-Olu said, “The centre creates opportunities, an environment where our students can move beyond textbooks and engage with the field through experiments, by asking questions and building real competence.”

He added that the facility, donated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, would deepen research, strengthen industry collaboration and reinforce UNILAG’s position as a leading institution in Nigeria and Africa.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Nigeria cannot continue to rely on foreign experts. This centre will help to produce talents that will manage our economy.”

Sanwo-Olu further noted that the project aligns with Lagos State’s vision of building a skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and enterprise.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said the centre would serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research across geosciences and allied fields, including engineering, computing and environmental sciences.

“With our country at the forefront of petroleum and gas exploration in Africa, this centre will play a pivotal role in developing the quality expertise and human resources required for the operations of this sector of our economy and Africa,” she said.

Ogunsola stressed the need for Africa to shift from dependency narratives to knowledge creation, adding that the university would ensure proper utilisation and sustainability of the facility.

“Africa, for a long time, has been stereotyped as poor and needing aid to solve its peculiar challenges. We must break that stereotype, own our narrative, and begin to harness our data and carry out critical analysis that addresses our unique challenges,” she said.

Ogunsola said the facility represents a long-term partnership between the university and industry players, designed to enhance capacity in geosciences and related fields critical to the energy sector.

“This centre reflects what is possible when academia and industry work together,” she said at the commissioning ceremony. “It is built on trust, continuity and shared vision.”

She noted that the project, conceived in 2010, passed through four successive vice-chancellorships before completion, describing it as a symbol of institutional continuity and sustained collaboration.

The facility houses laboratories, simulation centres, lecture theatres, workshops, a museum and research spaces designed for hands-on training and advanced study.

It is expected to support research and capacity development in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, environmental science, petroleum geology, mining geology, economic geology, as well as GIS mapping and spatial data analysis.

Ogunsola said the hub would also strengthen training in reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation and other specialised areas critical to the oil and gas industry.

She added that a sustainability framework had been put in place with partners to ensure long-term funding, maintenance and periodic upgrades.

“With Nigeria at the forefront of oil and gas exploration in Africa, this hub will help build the expertise needed to drive innovation and economic growth,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of stronger industry engagement, noting that the facility represents a model for addressing real-world challenges through collaborative research.

Ogunsola commended the partner organisations and project stakeholders, describing the centre as a catalyst for advancing research, innovation and national development.

The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, said the centre reflects the company’s commitment to investing in Nigerian talent, adding that it would serve as a national hub for geoscience learning, research and industry engagement.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Ogbe, represented by Abayomi Bamidele, said the board would continue to prioritise local content through human capital development.

He added that the centre must be fully utilised and maintained to global standards, with measurable outcomes in training, research and industry support.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, represented by Olanrewaju Igandan, urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the facility for academic and professional growth. (PUNCH)