About N8.4bn ($6.2m) is now on the table to establish a world class electronic and electrical with computer innovation centre in the Rivers State (RSU) in Port Harcourt. This is in partnership with the NLNG and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to develop the research and innovation centre.
The multi-storey building to house the sensitive centre, when ready, is expected to launch the RSU into national and international limelight in research and computer tech. The NLNG has already promised to domesticate their sensitive research hub at the centre. The RSU aspires to be within top three in Nigeria, top 20 in Africa, and among top 100 in the world, banking on digital tech to achieve the new ambition.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place last week for the centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE), a project seen as a major research and development initiative jointly promoted by both the NLNG and the NCDMB.
The project is said to be implemented under NLNG’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) Plan and forms part of the NCDMB Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme.
According to a statement from Victor Banigo, an acting director and head of public relations office of the RSU, the centre is designed to strengthen the university’s capacity for advanced, industry-relevant research, specialised training, technology development and practical problem-solving in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
He said the initiative is expected to promote industry-focused research and develop innovative solutions to operational challenges confronting Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.
‘The facility will be developed on approximately 9,336 square metres of land within Rivers State University and will comprise a three-storey building of more than 9,000 square metres, containing 18 specialised laboratories.
‘The laboratories will include facilities for Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. The facility will also provide offices, storage areas and technical administration spaces to support research, teaching and equipment management.
‘The building will incorporate sustainability features, including solar energy provisions, energy-efficient lighting and environmentally responsible systems designed to reduce operating costs and support reliable research activities,’ the statement added.
He said a $1.2m (N1.74bn) Professorial Chair will also be established as part of the initiative to support advanced research, academic leadership, and industry collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adeleye Falade, NLNG’s MD/CEO, who was represented by Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of NLNG, described the new engineering facility as more than infrastructure.
She noted that it would serve as a hub for equipping students, lecturers and researchers with the tools required for practical learning, applied research and innovation in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
Horsfall stated that the centre would strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and ensure that research outcomes from Rivers State University directly address operational and societal challenges facing Nigeria.
She explained that the project is aimed at improving the capacity of institutions of learning through upgraded infrastructure, modern research facilities, technical equipment and industry-aligned training programmes that extend human capital development beyond the classroom.
According to her, the centre would help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements by enabling researchers and professionals to collaborate on innovations with commercial and developmental relevance.
Horsfall emphasised that while infrastructure is important, people remain the greatest investment, noting that education delivers the highest return by building confidence, competence and capacity for national development.
She also announced that NLNG’s Research and Development Implementation Consultancy would be based at the centre upon completion.
The consultancy will support the development of a robust research and development framework in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 and facilitate commercially viable, industry-relevant research in partnership with selected tertiary institutions.
During the event, Horsfall commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for its leadership in bringing industry and academia together and reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustainable human capital development and indigenous technological advancement.
Abayomi Bamidele, and engineer and director of the capacity building directorate, who represented Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Board’s Human Capital Development objectives.
He confirmed that NCDMB is fully aligned with NLNG in the implementation of the RICCEE project and would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure its successful execution and completion.
Bamidele explained that the project forms part of NCDMB’s institutional strengthening programme, which he said seeks to establish enduring partnerships with institutions of higher learning by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.
He challenged the Centre to become a vibrant hub of discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement, where students would be inspired to innovate, researchers would develop solutions to real-world challenges and industry would find reliable partners for research and development.
He also commended NLNG for its commitment to the project and praised the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and management of Rivers State University for their dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
In his address, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, a professor and Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the institution and reaffirmed the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution focused on solving practical societal problems through research, innovation, and human capacity development.
Zeb-Obipi stated that the RICCEE project aligns with the university’s 2026-2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritises the improvement of academic programmes and the strengthening of research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He disclosed that the project originated from an appeal for corporate support made by Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi, former Acting Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with the support of the DE ’95 graduates. The Vice-Chancellor said he subsequently decided to appoint Amadi as the pioneer Acting Director of RICCEE.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to NLNG and NCDMB for the US$6.2 million investment, the US$1.2 million Professorial Chair and the overseas training opportunities already provided for key staff who will manage the centre.
He noted that the groundbreaking ceremony represented not merely the commencement of a new building, but the foundation for transformative ideas, research excellence, technological solutions and a new generation of engineers and innovators capable of strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness and improving lives.
Zeb-Obipi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring that the centre is productively utilised to strengthen research capacity, build human capital, foster innovation and deepen collaboration with industry and educational institutions.
Also speaking at the event, Ibinyefagha R. Alabere, Vice-Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, expressed strong support for the RICCEE project and commended NLNG, NCDMB and Rivers State University for investing in the educational and technological future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
She stated that the project would create opportunities for young people, promote innovation and contribute significantly to sustainable development and economic growth in Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State and the nation at large.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, Acting Director of the Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate of NCDMB; Yibo Koko, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Tourism and Development Agency; Ama Ikuru, former Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, and Collins Iyoloma, who spoke on behalf of the alumni. These saw partnership as a way out for Nigerian universities.
The highpoints of the ceremony included the handover of the project drawings and equipment to the Vice-Chancellor and contractors.
The ceremony also featured the symbolic laying of the foundation at the project site by the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate of NCDMB, and the General Manager, External Relations and Horsfall of the NLNG.