The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for NNPCL’s continuous support to the University’s research endeavours.

He commended the collaboration between IBBU, Lapai and the FUT, Minna in conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Bida Basin, attributing the delays in finalizing the report to the unfortunate passing of Professor Nuhu Obaje, a key figure in the project.

Professor Suleiman emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical research and industry practice, ensuring that research outputs are demand driven.

The Vice Chancellor also appreciated NNPCL for granting the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval, which will be included in the final report to the Federal Ministry of Environment.

He reassured NNPCL of IBBUL’s readiness to strengthen their partnership, highlighting the University’s expertise in research and petroleum studies.

He also urged NNPCL’s Senior Management to continue their collaboration, noting that Professor Obaje had mentored a capable team to sustain the project.

In his presentation the NNPCL Team Leader, Engr. Rabiu Audu, commended IBBUL for its commitment to research and development, acknowledging the Institution’s critical role in supporting NNPCL’s projects, and emphasized the need for continued collaboration.

Dr. Audu explained that while the Sokoto Basin EIA had reached the approval stage, the Bida Basin project had been delayed due to the passing of Professor Obaje.

The team leader noted that the NNPCL intervened to clarify the situation and ensure the project remained on track.

He further noted that the visit aimed to align all stakeholders and prevent further setbacks.

Engr. Audu explained that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), only the Federal Ministry of Environment can issue the EIA permit, while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is responsible for the EMP.

He confirmed that the EMP had already been approved and would be incorporated into the final report.

Engr. Audu also expressed gratitude for the warm reception by IBBUL and reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the University on the EIA project.

In their separate remarks, Professor Alimi Folorunsho Lawal, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Dr. Hussain Majiya, Director, Centre for Applied Science and Technology Research, CASTER and Professor Idris Nda of FUT, Minna all emphasized the University’s readiness to sustain its research partnership with NNPCL despite the loss of Professor Obaje.

Professor Alimi reassured NNPCL that the late Professor’s work was supported by a strong and capable team.

He highlighted a recent National Research Grant awarded to a IBBUL petroleum Geologist, who successfully patented a method for exploring failed wells in the Anambra Basin.

He emphasized IBBUL’s strong research team in petroleum Geology and expressed confidence in maintaining a productive collaboration with NNPCL, urging the company to continue supporting the University’s research efforts.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, represented by Director, Strategic Planning, Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to NNPCL and FUT, Minna for their confidence in IBBUL’s ability to execute the EIA project.

He acknowledged NNPCL’s crucial role as the financial backbone of the project and assured them of IBBUL’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality research.

He also highlighted the keen interest of the Niger State Government in the project and its appreciation of NNPCL’s collaboration with the University.