The Lagos State government on Friday inaugurated the geosciences centre of excellence at the University of Lagos to strengthen capacity in the energy sector.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the commissioner for tertiary education, Tolani Sule, said at the inauguration and handover ceremony in Akoka, Lagos, that the centre would enhance human capital development and provide a practical learning environment for students.

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the project as an investment in people and the future, noting that it would equip students with relevant skills for national growth.

“This facility creates opportunities for students to develop practical skills and build real competence.

“At the end of the day, what matters is not just what you know but what you can do with what you know,” he said.

The governor added that the centre would enhance research, deepen industry collaboration and reinforce the university’s position as a leading institution in Nigeria and Africa.

He said the facility would also support the state’s vision of building a skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and enterprise.

Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop local expertise in critical sectors, particularly oil and gas, rather than relying on foreign knowledge.

“We must train our own professionals and develop our own solutions. This centre will help produce the talent needed to drive the energy sector forward,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for their collaboration in delivering the project.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola, described the centre as a legacy project designed to enhance research, innovation and manpower development in geosciences and related disciplines.

Ms Ogunsola said the project, conceived in 2010, had spanned the tenures of four vice-chancellors, reflecting the institution’s commitment to continuity and sustainability.

She explained that the facility, equipped with laboratories, lecture theatres, a simulation laboratory, a library and a museum, would bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

“The centre will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research and collaboration across geosciences, engineering, environmental science and related fields,” she said.

She added that the facility would offer specialised training, professional certifications and executive programmes tailored to industry needs.

Also, the group chief executive officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Ojulari, represented by Olanrewaju Igandan, said the centre would prepare students for the evolving demands of the global energy industry.

Mr Ojulari noted that advancements in artificial intelligence were reshaping geosciences, making it imperative for professionals to develop stronger analytical and problem-solving skills.

“The future belongs to those who can think critically, interpret data and make informed decisions beyond what technology provides,” he said.

He added that the centre would bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, while promoting technical self-reliance in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the managing director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, described the centre as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital and education sector.

Mr Adams said the facility would serve as a national hub for geoscience learning, research and industry collaboration, featuring auditoria, a seismic laboratory, a research library and a digital museum.

He urged students and faculty to maximise the facility for innovation and research, while encouraging industry stakeholders to partner with the university.

The Geosciences Centre of Excellence was funded by NNPC Ltd., SNEPCo and NCDMB in collaboration with UNILAG.

The centre is expected to support training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and position Nigeria as a key player in geoscience research and energy development in Africa. 

(NAN)