The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has expressed concerns that a shortage of properly trained professionals could undermine Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector. The society emphasized the need for collaboration between universities, professional bodies, government, and industry to address the skills gap. This call was made at the Third NMGS/ND Western/Layi Fatona Annual Lecture Series held at the University of Ibadan. The event brought together geoscientists, academics, industry professionals, and students to discuss human capital development for Nigeria's upstream sector.
Abiodun Olufemi Adesanya, the guest speaker, identified the availability of properly trained professionals as a major challenge facing the industry. He stressed that academic qualifications alone are not sufficient to prepare professionals for the industry's demands. Adesanya emphasized the importance of practical experience, mentorship, exposure to industry data, and continuous professional development. He also urged universities and industry stakeholders to expose young geoscientists to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Adesanya highlighted the significance of international exposure for young professionals, encouraging them to attend conferences, participate in international forums, and benchmark their knowledge and skills against global standards. He described artificial intelligence as an enabler that could improve efficiency and productivity in the industry. The lecture series aimed to examine the development of human capital for Nigeria's upstream sector and provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Rose Chundung Ndong, the President of NMGS, emphasized that the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector depend on the quality of professionals responsible for exploring, evaluating, developing, and managing the country's natural resources. Ndong called for closer cooperation among universities, professional bodies, government, and industry to ensure that training remains responsive to technological advances and digitalization.
Dr. Layi Fatona, the chief host, proposed the establishment of a Student Science Development Fund to support students' participation in conferences, professional membership, research presentations, and other activities that could broaden their exposure to the industry. Fatona emphasized the need for universities to give students opportunities to interact with professionals, present their research, and gain practical exposure beyond the classroom.
The event was attended by academics, geoscientists, industry professionals, and students, including Osayande Igiehon, the Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, who commended Fatona's contribution to the development of indigenous technical capacity. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, Prof Simisola Akintola.
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society's warning highlights the need for urgent attention to address the skills gap in Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector. The sector's development and competitiveness depend on the availability of properly trained and educated professionals who can manage and take the industry forward.
Key points
- The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society calls for collaboration to address the skills gap.
- The sector's development depends on the quality of professionals.
- Artificial intelligence is crucial for improving efficiency and productivity.
