FUTA Completes Hydrocarbon Research, Receives Advanced Facilities, Secures Future Industry Collaboration

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has marked a milestone in hydrocarbon research with the successful completion of its project titled: “Evaluation of Seismic Attributes for Reservoir Characterisation, Reservoir Architecture and Pore Fluid Prediction of the Niger Delta Area, with emphasis on the Otakikpo Field using 3D Seismic Data.”

The initiative was supported by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lek Oil Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (JV).

As part of the project culmination, FUTA received donations of state-of-the-art research facilities aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and advanced research in geosciences. The donated equipment includes:

• High-performance supercomputer workstations for advanced seismic data processing and geoscientific simulations
• Geological microscopes for detailed rock and thin-section analysis
• A 5KVA solar power system to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations
• Multimedia systems to support data visualization, presentations, and digital learning
• Laboratory furniture to fully equip the Geoscience Laboratory for practical student training

Presenting the facilities, Mr. Jonathan Njoku of NCDMB urged FUTA to leverage the equipment for maximum academic and research impact. Receiving the donations, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji assured the partners that the resources would be effectively deployed for undergraduate and postgraduate training as well as advanced research projects, expressing gratitude for their confidence in the University.

Ahead of the donation ceremony, the FUTA research team, led by Prof. Kenneth Alaneme, Director of the Centre for Research and Development (CERAD), and Prof. Mrs. Taiwo Olowokere, Principal Investigator, demonstrated “Sanfrag”, a home-grown geoscience software developed to enhance hydrocarbon exploration and production. The software features modules for well log interpretation, well correlation, petrophysical analysis, and reservoir evaluation. Collaborating partners affirmed the software’s reliability and practical utility in industry applications.

Representatives of NCDMB, GEIL, and Lek Oil commended FUTA’s research outcomes, highlighting their impact and expressing readiness for sustained collaboration and future funding opportunities.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Njoku lauded FUTA’s professionalism, research quality, and successful project delivery, emphasizing the importance of translating academic findings into practical solutions for the oil and gas sector. Prof. Alaneme expressed gratitude to all partners and reaffirmed FUTA’s commitment to impactful research and productive industry engagement.

Other key members of the research team include Prof. John Amigun, Prof. Saka Opeloye, Prof. Francis Akinluyi, Dr. Oluwatoyin Oluwadare, Dr. Osazuwa Ogbahon, Dr. Olubola Abiola, Dr. Sunday Abe, and Dr. Ayomide Ifanegan.

The project not only advances FUTA’s capabilities in hydrocarbon exploration but also strengthens the University’s position as a hub for industry-focused research and innovation in the Niger Delta and beyond.