The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a Research and Development Training for Directors of Research of Universities, Research Institutes and related agencies from the South-West. The training, with the theme “Research and Development as a Springboard and Catalyst to Stimulate Regional Development in Nigeria” was held from Tuesday 26th March to Thursday 28th March 2024 at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA.
Speaking at the programme, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbe represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Mr. Isaac Yalah said the aim of the Workshop was to provide adequate tools for research in the oil and gas sector He pointed out that the NCDMB was established in 2010 by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGCID) Act. He said in furtherance to the mandate of the board, it developed a strategic road map in 2019 to drive the growth of research and development in the oil and gas ecosystem in Nigeria. Ogbe said the roadmap identified critical gaps and deployed research while highlighting strategies to close the critical gaps that was noticed in the industry.
According to him, " lack of research infrastructure, funding, and weak commercial framework were three major areas among other identified gaps within the road map and the recommendations for the establishment of centres of excellence in the six geopolitical regions of the country to stimulate and amplify research in oil and gas. As part of sustained efforts to close existing gaps the board in 2021 launched the Nigeria Content Research Development Fund with an initial capital startup of 50 billion dollars".
He decried the disconnect between the academia and the industry and urged for a synergy between both entities to facilitate the robust growth of research in the oil and gas sector. Ogbe said there's a lot that academia can do to contribute towards the growth of the industry He said "to support this infrastructure the board, created six centres of excellence in six Tertiary Institutions across Nigerian of which FUTA is one"
In a good will message the Governor of Ondo State Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Razaq Obe said the presence of participants in the workshop is a testament to the commitment and dedication to expanding the frontiers of knowledge through a well-crafted research proposal.
He said "I must admit that proposal writing is no easy task. It requires a careful balance of creativity, critical thinking, and persuasive communication. By participating in this training, you have taken a pivotal step towards enhancing your skill in your chosen field and you are contributing to the advancement of the academic and scientific communities".
The Governor said Research directors in various fields play a crucial role in the scientific innovation and the shaping of society 's knowledge base with innovative solutions as it relates to problems in the country.
He said " The knowledge gained during the workshop will undoubtedly be beneficial as you navigate the competitive landscape of research proposal submission locally and globally".
He appreciated the board for championing the promotion of tools to help researchers make groundbreaking innovations as this underscores their commitment to the development of the country through training scientists for technological innovations and fruitful collaborative efforts to solve societal problems.
Earlier in her remarks the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Dean of the School of Earth and Mineral Science, Professor Yekini Anifowose said that the theme of the workshop was stimulating and timely. She said "the state of our national and subnational economy is not quite inspiring. Suffice to say our economy is in doldrums ".
The Vice Chancellor added that a cheering dimension of the present challenges the nation is facing, is the fact that we still have abundant human and natural resources which if optimally explored and exploited can place the country on a global pedestal which can lead to growth and development and better quality of life for the people.
The workshop was coordinated by Professor Rotimi Amigun, Director NCMB’s Centre of Excellence for Geology and Geophysical Studies, domiciled in FUTA.
