COMMUNIQUE OF THE 5TH ALUMNI PUBLIC LECTURE OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, TITLED: NIGERIA GAS POTENTIALS, EXISTING AND EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERS AND INVESTORS HELD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2021, AT NEW ENGINEERING LECTURE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA, LAGOS, NIGERIA
INTRODUCTION
The 5th Alumni public lecture was organized by the University of Lagos, Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA). The theme was: Nigeria Gas potentials, Existing and emerging opportunities for Engineers and Investors. The blended event was chaired by Engr. Yemi Adetunji , the Group Executive Director, Downstream NNPC.
The Guest Speaker was Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, GMD, Geoplex Drillteq Limited. Other notable Guests at the event include: Engr. Dideolu Falobi, the Current Chairman University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA) Engr. Dr. Eribake, Chairman Board of Trustees of UNILAGFEAA .The Former Dean of Engineering, University of Lagos, Prof. Funso A. Falade, FAEng, FNSE The Host and current Dean of Engineering, University of Lagos, Prof. Obanishola . M Sadiq, FAEng, FNSE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT: SIDE COMMENTS FROM DIGNITARIES
The chairman of the event revealed Government efforts at providing policies and instruments for the citizens and indeed engineers to maximise the opportunities in the oil and gas industry. That the Alumni body is a formidable partner in the development of our University. The previous contributions and efforts of the Alumni body were acknowledged.
These include the vertical extension of the Dean’s office building, the various intervention programmes targeted at soft skills development for our undergraduates and so on. There is the need to support engineering students in their quest to develop innovative ideas while keeping the legacy of Prof. Ayodele Awojobi alive through the Prof. Ayodele Awojobi Design Competition (PAADC) platform.
The Chairman of the Alumni expressed heartfelt gratitude to all members and invited them to join the efforts of Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Makinde co-led committee in raising five hundred million naira (₦500,000,000.00) for various developmental projects in the Faculty. .
The Dean appreciated the Alumni and called for more support towards making the Faculty a better place for learning. The Former Dean Prof. Falade, in his goodwill message, chronicled the various achievements of the Alumni and invited members to propagate the message of the group to those yet to join.
Engr. Seun Faluyi on behalf of the 1985 set reported that the vertical extension of the Dean’s office executed by them was done to show gratitude, and give back to the faculty which contributed significantly to their lives. The gesture was also to show what a formidable alumni body can achieve. He called on other sets to contribute to the development of their alma mater. Highlights of the Lecture and discussions are as follows:
PRESENTATION OF THE TREATISE
The Guest Lecturer, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya pouring from his reservoir of experience, articulated his points and then came up with the following submission: That Nigeria is energy rich and a net energy exporter. There is therefore the need to strategise to derive maximum benefits from her rich energy resources. Those countries that are net importer of energy continue to strive to be energy independent.
This will make net energy exporter countries without the knowhow of clean energy technology to lose significant export revenue. There is the need for Nigeria to invest heavily in gas and petrochemicals derivatives that will fit into the future of global energy dynamics. That Nigeria is blessed with gas reserves to plan, sustain and grow her economy but must not delay to join the world energy rhythm.
That Nigeria is not in shortage of competent hands to drive the industry. Thus, the environmental operating challenges causing the multinational oil companies to divest from Nigeria present a great opportunity for the indigenisation of the industry.
That concerted effort should be made to increase gas availability and utilization for domestic use. That huge opportunity abounds in pipeline investments, gas plants, Liquefied petroleum gas, petrochemicals, and gas to power projects. There is opportunity for Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning to develop curriculum that will create competent hands for the industry.
PARTNERSHIP WITH UNILAG FOR YEARLY RECRUITMENT OF GRADUATES AND ADOPTION OF A PROJECT
The event witnessed the establishment of a partnership with the University of Lagos by the Guest speaker who assured that UNILAG graduates would be recruited yearly by his companies. Engr. Mrs. Yetunde Holloway made a plea for gender balance in the recruitment process.
The Guest speaker also adopted a project-the vertical extension of the Mechanical Engineering Head of Department’s office.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It was concluded and thus recommended: That Nigerian Oil and Gas upstream sector would be sustained after divestment of the Multinational E&P Companies in Nigeria. Huge opportunities exist for Nigeria to truly indigenise the industry and maximise economic benefits.
This must however be anchored and led by the industry leaders and Nigeria is not in short supply of them. Opportunities to invest and grow Gas utilization remains at early stage with huge potentials for excellent return on the investment for investors. Power and petrochemicals are the brightest areas for investors to focus because of the demand potential. Investors are invited to consider these areas.
The potential to create 1000’s of engineering and other positions is high. Nigeria’s higher institutions must play their role in developing curriculum that will provide skilled graduates to drive these opportunities.
Engr. Dideolu Falobi Engr. Dr. Lawrence Osoba Chairman, UNILAGFEEA Secretary, UNILAGFEEA
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