NAPE Donates Specialized Workstation To AE-FUNAI To Boost Research And Innovation

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to enhance academic research and innovation in Nigerian universities, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has donated a specialized computer workstation to the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State.

Presenting the equipment during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, the President of NAPE, Mr. Johnbosco Uche, said the donation reflects the association’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. He explained that since its establishment in 1975, NAPE has championed excellence, professionalism, and national development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, noting that it is the largest professional association of petroleum geologists and related disciplines in Nigeria and Africa.

Mr. Uche highlighted the association’s University Assistance Programme, which has supported geosciences departments across Nigerian universities with equipment, software licenses, books, training, workshops, and mentorship. This initiative, he said, ensures that graduates are equipped with relevant skills for a rapidly evolving energy market.

He emphasized that the visit underscored the importance of collaboration between industry and academia, particularly in harnessing research and development to address pressing energy challenges. According to him, the Anambra River Basin still holds vast untapped resources, and equipping students with the right tools and training is critical for future exploration.

Mr. Uche further urged the university management to provide adequate space for the workstation to ensure accessibility for students and advocated greater involvement of lecturers in NAPE’s activities to strengthen the link between the university and the industry.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elom, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Romanus Ejiaga, expressed gratitude to NAPE for selecting AE-FUNAI as a beneficiary of the donation. He noted that the workstation would significantly boost research capacity, enhance scientific studies, and equip students with the skills needed to remain competitive in their fields.

He encouraged staff and students to maximize the opportunity, stressing that the facility represents a rare privilege to align academic training with industry expectations.

The event ended with a group photograph of the NAPE delegation, university officials, and students of the Department of Geology and Geophysics.