NLNG, NCDMB Break Ground for Innovation Centre at Rivers Varsity

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have jointly broken ground for a new Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE) at Rivers State University in Port Harcourt. This project marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria's indigenous research capacity, technological innovation, and engineering expertise.

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The project, described by NLNG as its largest human capital development institutional strengthening initiative to date, is designed to expand the university’s capacity for advanced, industry-relevant research, specialised training and the development of technological solutions for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

Described by NLNG as its most substantial human capital development initiative to date, the center is engineered to enhance the university's capabilities in advanced, industry-relevant research. It will also provide specialized training and facilitate the development of technological solutions crucial for Nigeria's energy and industrial sectors. The facility will include a professorial chair and function as a research and development hub, focusing on industry challenges, particularly those pertinent to NLNG's operations, with potential for commercializing successful research outcomes.

NLNG's Managing Director and CEO, Adeleye Falade, represented by Sophia Horsfall, General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, termed the project a strategic investment in Nigeria's future. He stated that the initiative underscores NLNG's dedication to sustainable human capital development and will bolster Rivers State University's capacity to produce highly skilled professionals capable of conducting research that directly addresses industry needs. The center is expected to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements by fostering collaboration.

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This initiative demonstrated NLNG’s commitment to sustainable human capital development and would strengthen Rivers State University’s capacity to produce highly skilled professionals and conduct research that responds directly to industry requirements.

Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, represented by Abayomi Bamidele, Director of Capacity Building, hailed the groundbreaking as a milestone for the board's human capital development objectives. He noted that the project aligns with NCDMB's institutional strengthening program, which aims to build lasting partnerships with higher education institutions through infrastructure that enhances teaching, research, innovation, and practical skills. Ogbe urged the center to become a nexus for discovery and technological advancement.

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RICCEE would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry needs by creating opportunities for researchers and industry professionals to collaborate on innovations with commercial and developmental relevance.

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, affirmed that the project aligns with the university's strategic development plan for 2026-2030. The collaboration signifies a concerted effort to cultivate local talent and drive innovation within Nigeria's key economic sectors.

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He said the project was part of NCDMB’s human capital development institutional strengthening programme, which seeks to establish enduring partnerships with higher institutions through infrastructure that improves teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.