UNN hails PTDF over support on research in petroleum geology

Cosmas Chukwu, Enugu

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for its sustained investment in human capacity development, research and specialised knowledge at the University.

Professor Ortuanya expressed his appreciation when he received a delegation from the PTDF in his Conference Room as part of activities marking a Human Capacity Development Workshop organised by the PTDF Professorial Chair in Petroleum Geology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Vice-Chancellor particularly appreciated PTDF for the confidence it had reposed in the University through the establishment and continued support of the PTDF Professorial Chair in Petroleum Geology.

He noted that the impact of the Professorial Chair had demonstrated the value of strategic collaboration between the University and national institutions in advancing specialised knowledge, research and human capacity development.

Professor Ortuanya urged the PTDF to consider more interventions at the University of Nigeria, stressing that additional support would further strengthen the institution’s capacity to contribute to national development through research, innovation and specialised training.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of geology to Nigeria’s economic and technological development, noting that its relevance extended beyond petroleum exploration to areas such as energy, groundwater resources, electricity generation and environmental management.

According to him, strengthening expertise in geology and related disciplines was essential to equipping Nigerian professionals and researchers with the knowledge and skills required to address contemporary national challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor further expressed optimism that the partnership between the University and PTDF would continue to produce meaningful outcomes for the petroleum and energy sector and the wider Nigerian economy.

The Human Capacity Development Workshop, held on Wednesday, had as its theme, “High Resolution Geophysical Exploration Techniques: Data Acquisition, Processing and Interpretation.” It brought together lecturers, postgraduate students and researchers from federal, state and private universities across the South-East.

At the workshop, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, represented by Mrs Favour Chinekwu Adaure-Prince, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to human capacity development, research and innovation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Professor Aliyu said the rapidly evolving petroleum and energy industry required professionals equipped with modern technologies and skills to address emerging challenges in subsurface exploration.

He explained that PTDF’s investment in Professorial Chairs was aimed at strengthening teaching and research while promoting the development of practical solutions to challenges confronting the industry in Nigerian universities.

The PTDF Professorial Chair holder, Professor Olushola Ojo, also commended the Fund for its continued support and the University of Nigeria for providing an enabling environment for the implementation of the Chair’s mandate.

Professor Ojo said the workshop adopted a “train-the-trainers” approach designed to equip participants with knowledge that could subsequently be transferred to students, researchers and professionals in their respective institutions.

He explained that the training was organised in response to the growing need for continuous learning, acquisition of new skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to emerging technologies in geophysical exploration.

According to him, 32 participants were strategically selected from universities across the South-East for the training.

He urged the participants to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge acquired to their research and professional practice for the benefit of the nation.

The workshop was attended by principal officers of the University, PTDF officials and representatives, deans and heads of departments, professors, instructors, participants, students and staff of the university.