The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has canvassed for stronger innovative collaborations among players, universities, and the government to meet the highly specialised needs of the oil and gas industry and as well, bring sustainability and growth in the nation.
The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Melle Kyari, canvassed this yesterday, in Port Harcourt, during the 16th induction ceremony of the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Kyari pointed out that without serious collaborations, the benefits of economic development in the oil and gas industry would not be realised.
Represented by the Group General Manager, Research and Development Division, Ben Norhile, he recalled that Nigeria’s enviable placement in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), wouldn’t have been possible without collaborative efforts, and elucidated roles, ideas, and expertise combined.
Kyari said: “There is need for supports, renewal and innovative collaborations between organisations, industries, government to support the development and growth of businesses. Companies/organisations should be allowed to tap into our university community to offer experts the opportunity to the latest research findings, get the best-talented students for training and empowerment who will, in turn, contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
“This is also in tandem with the mission to enhance learning, research opportunities, and expertise for the advancement of engineering, science, and technology, to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the oil industry.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Governing Board of IPS, Abiodun Afolabi, disclosed that Total Exploration and Production, Nigeria (TEPENG), has invested $30 million in the Institute, to build capacities and prepare young professionals in the industry.
He further revealed that IPS since its inception in 2003, has sponsored and trained 326 graduates in different fields.
IPS is a vision that started 16 years ago, when the NNPC, University of Port Harcourt, the French Petroleum Institute, (IFP), and Total agreed to establish an institute, offering specialised programmes in Petroleum Geosciences and Technology, Petroleum Economics and Management, etc.
The objective was to meet the needs of the petroleum industry through a commitment to excellence in training, applied research and others.
On his part, the Managing Director of Total E and P Nigeria, Mike Sangster, said the IPS is providing Nigerian students the theoretical principles as well as the practical skills to meet the specialised needs of the oil and gas industry.
He expressed delight in the progress of the vision, assuring that Total would continue to support the project to be the leader in innovation for Nigeria oil and gas industry.
SOURCE: guardian.ng