The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists has rallied industry stakeholders, government agencies and educational institutions to support the establishment of its proposed academy, aimed at producing a skilled and industry-ready workforce for Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
The call was made at the NAPE Academy Establishment Workshop held in Lagos on Thursday.
The workshop, themed ‘Shaping the Future Together,’ brought together NAPE fellows, past presidents, industry leaders, regulators, corporate executives and other stakeholders to deliberate on the structure, funding, curriculum and implementation of the proposed academy.
In her opening address, the NAPE President, Mrs Olajumoke Ajayi, FNAPE, said the academy was a strategic investment in developing a new generation of professionals equipped to meet the changing demands of the energy industry.
Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Ajayi said the initiative would strengthen technical capacity and promote professional excellence across the sector.
She said, “The NAPE Academy is a strategic investment in the future of our industry. We must equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills and exposure required to navigate the changing energy landscape.”
She added that NAPE remained committed to sustainable human capital development and would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.
Presenting the proposed framework and implementation roadmap, the Chairman of the NAPE Academy Planning Committee, Dr Nedo Osayande, said the academy would run an 18-month industry-focused training programme designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
Osayande said the programme would combine technical training with professional certification and opportunities for postgraduate academic advancement.
He said, “The focus is to bridge the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what the industry requires. We want participants to graduate with practical knowledge and skills that will make them immediately relevant to the energy industry.”
The proposed framework also includes admission requirements, a structured curriculum, infrastructure, accommodation, equipment, governance, location and risk management plans.
The initiative received support from major industry operators and government regulatory agencies, with representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, FIRST Exploration and Production, Petroleum Technology Development Fund and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board delivering goodwill messages.
Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr Bayo Ojulari, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer and Head of Joint Venture Investment Management at NUIMS, Mr Olanrewaju Igandan, delivered a goodwill message in support of the initiative.
The NUPRC Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, Engr Enorense Amadasu, also represented the Commission’s Chief Executive at the event.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by Mr Segun Owolabi on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FIRST E&P; Mrs Rowena Akhere, General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation, representing the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof Shuaibu Aliyu; and Mr Jonathan Njoku, who represented the Executive Secretary of NCDMB.
A major highlight of the workshop was a strategic breakout session, where participants were divided into four groups to deliberate on curriculum, location, funding and budget, and governance.
The sessions produced recommendations and strategic insights expected to guide the next phase of the academy’s development.
Participants also emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among industry stakeholders, government agencies, educational institutions and development partners to ensure the academy’s long-term success.
Ajayi said the association would continue to engage relevant stakeholders in transforming the initiative into a centre of excellence for professional training and technical development.
She said, “We cannot shape the future workforce alone. It requires the collective commitment of industry, government, academia and development partners. This is why collaboration is central to the NAPE Academy.”
The workshop ended with a renewed commitment from NAPE leadership, members, government representatives and industry stakeholders to establish the academy as a platform for professional training, technical knowledge acquisition and industry-focused education.
The proposed academy is expected to contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base by equipping young professionals with the practical skills and industry exposure needed to drive the growth and sustainability of the country’s energy sector.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS PAPER
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