Ibadan:Human capital is a crucial element in the effective development of national resources and the sustainability of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, According to Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NMGS President Ms. Rose Ndong emphasized the importance of skilled professionals in the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability during the third NMGS/ND Western/Layi Fatona Annual Lecture at the University of Ibadan. The event was sponsored by ND Western Ltd., a Nigerian oil exploration company, and focused on the theme ‘Development of Geoscience Human Capital for the Nigerian Upstream Sector The Degeconek Experience’.
Ndong highlighted that the industry is undergoing significant changes due to digitalization, artificial intelligence, energy transition, and environmental factors. Although Nigeria has a history of producing skilled geoscientists, she stressed the need for continuous evaluation of training methods to meet the evolving demands of the indust
ry. She called for collaboration between universities, professional bodies, government, and industries to align academic training with practical requirements.
Dr. Layi Fatona, Chairman of ND Western Ltd. and Chief Host of the lecture, proposed establishing a Student Science Development Fund. This fund would support students by covering conference participation, poster presentations, and research activities, starting with the Department of Geology at the University of Ibadan. Fatona suggested a governance structure with NMGS to ensure the fund’s sustainability and expansion.
Guest speaker Mr. Abiodun Adesanya, CEO of Degeconek Hydrocarbon Asset Management Company, underscored the importance of combining education with practical experience and mentorship in human capital development. He shared that over the years, hundreds of geoscientists have benefited from the Degeconek experience, gaining access to real project data and professional exposure.
Mr. Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies Ltd. and Chairman
of the event, emphasized the need for professionals who can drive innovation and adapt to the global demands of Nigeria’s energy industry. He praised NMGS, ND Western, and the University of Ibadan for providing a platform for knowledge sharing and professional development, highlighting the importance of passing experience and opportunities to the next generation of geoscientists.