University of Lagos has inaugurated a Geosciences Centre of Excellence, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, through a collaboration involving Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

The facility, commissioned on April 17, 2026, is expected to strengthen research, training, and technical capacity in the oil and gas sector while reducing reliance on foreign institutions for specialised services.

Representing Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Tolani Sule, said the project reflects a strategic investment in developing local expertise and innovation. He added that the centre reinforces Lagos State’s position as a hub for knowledge and enterprise.

Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams, described the facility as a national asset, urging students and faculty to maximise its potential through research and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Also speaking, Chief Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Olanrewaju Igandan, said the centre would bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, describing it as critical to achieving technological independence in the sector.

Representatives of the NCDMB noted that the project aligns with efforts to build local capacity and develop a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s energy industry.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Folasade Ogunsola, said the project was conceived over 16 years ago and completed through successive administrations, highlighting the institution’s commitment to continuity and long-term development.

She added that the centre would support interdisciplinary research across fields such as geosciences, engineering, environmental sciences, and computer science, while also strengthening partnerships with industry players.

The multi-level facility includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a seismic interpretation room, a digital museum, and other specialised spaces designed to support undergraduate and postgraduate training.

Project contributors said the centre has already impacted students through internship opportunities, with some participants securing full-time employment during its development phase.

The initiative, supported by partners including ExxonMobil and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, is expected to position the University of Lagos as a leading hub for geoscience education and research in Africa.

Stakeholders at the event described the project as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and advancing innovation in the energy sector.