N2bn NLNG support; six Universities benefit.

Six Universities representing the different geo-political zones in Nigeria will benefit from the support provided by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). A N2 billion Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed with the universities, to develop their engineering education capacity. 

They include the University of Ilorin, representing the North-Central; the University of Ibadan, representing the South-West; the University of Port Harcourt, representing the South-South; the University of Maiduguri, representing the North-East; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, representing the North-West and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, representing the South-East. 

The firm’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babs Omotowa, said N340m would be spent on each of the six universities. He stated this in Abuja during the MOA signing ceremony.

According to him, the fund would be used for the construction of modern engineering laboratories with cutting edge equipment in the universities.

Omotowa said, “The signing of MOA with six universities marks the first milestone in NLNG’s university support programme. The MOA spells out modalities for the execution of the programme, ranging from financing to contracts and procurement as well as safety, quality assurance, quality control and sustainability of the laboratories.

“Our implementation strategy is structured to meet the universities’ technical needs and specification. Comparative advantages and peculiarities of each university were considered in this strategy and we believe this is the best and most efficient model of project delivery.

“We also believe that one result is certain from these processes, the laboratories will be world-class that will spur the development of engineering education and help bring the universities at par with their peers world-wide.”