NNPC, NCDMB, Heritage Energy Renew Partnership with AKSU

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Heritage Operational Energy Services Limited, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have pledged ongoing support for Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).

This commitment was reinforced during a Project Validation Visit to the university's Main Campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, on Monday, November 25, 2024.

The delegation, led by Mr. Bassey George, commended AKSU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien, for the institution's strides in academic excellence and technical innovation. They praised the university for its recent recognition as the Best Geosciences State University in Nigeria and its success as the 2nd Runner-up in the prestigious 2024 Basin Evaluation Competition organized by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

Mr. George lauded the university’s advancements in Geosciences, Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering, and Local Content Development, noting its growing reputation as a hub for technical expertise and innovation in the Niger Delta region.

In his response, Prof. Essien expressed gratitude for the sponsors' contributions, which he said have significantly enhanced students' analytical skills and project management capabilities. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to promoting science and technology while expanding its academic offerings.

The visit featured milestone presentations and a preliminary report on sand failure fields in the Niger Delta Province by Dr. Thomas Harry, Head of the Geology Department, and Dr. Tinuola Udoh, Head of the Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering Department. The delegation also toured the university’s facilities, research centers, and equipment.

The event was attended by key university officials, including the Bursar, Dr. Jacob Eseneyen, and the University Librarian, Dr. Nse E. Akwang, alongside lecturers, staff, and postgraduate students from the Departments of Geology and Chemistry. Representatives from NNPC, NCDMB, and Heritage Energy expressed optimism about the university’s future contributions to local content development and technical education.

This renewed partnership is expected to further strengthen AKSU’s position as a leading institution in geosciences and engineering education, driving innovation and capacity building in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.