In a strategic move to bolster collaboration between industry and academia, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture has inducted 27 Nigerian academics and research interns into its 2024 programme.
This year’s cohort, which has grown by 35% compared to the previous year, includes eight professors, four senior lecturers, and 15 other participants, underscoring Shell’s commitment to fostering educational and technological advancements in Nigeria.
The induction ceremony, held at Shell’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, marked the start of a year-long initiative aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and skill development. Participants, drawn from 13 universities across Nigeria, will gain hands-on industry experience in critical fields such as biodiversity, petroleum engineering, and environmental impact assessment.
Mr. Igo Weli, Head of Corporate Relations and SPDC Director at Shell Nigeria, highlighted the programme’s significance in bridging the gap between academia and industry. “Our research and internship programmes are central to our commitment to supporting higher education in Nigeria,” Weli stated. He emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the initiative, noting that Shell benefits from the specialized expertise of academics while providing them with practical industry knowledge and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
The programme also received strong support from government representatives. Mrs. Bunmi Edith Lawson, speaking on behalf of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, highlighted the programme’s role in scientific exploration and environmental stewardship. “This is an investment in the next generation of innovators,” Lawson remarked, emphasizing the initiative as a crucial step towards giving back to the community and stakeholders.
The 2024 programme participants hail from a diverse array of Nigerian universities, including the University of Benin, Rivers State University, University of Ibadan, Niger Delta University, and Ahmadu Bello University. Other institutions represented are Bingham University Karu, Federal University Wukari, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Covenant University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, University of Uyo, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
This initiative not only enhances the practical skills of the academics involved but also strengthens the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and the oil and gas industry. By integrating academic research with real-world industry challenges, Shell aims to drive innovation and sustainable development within Nigeria’s energy sector.
As the programme commences, the selected academics and interns are set to embark on a transformative journey, gaining invaluable insights and contributing to the advancement of Shell’s projects. This continued partnership is poised to deliver significant benefits, fostering a robust educational and technological ecosystem in Nigeria.
