by Eduok Kevin, Publications Unit
The School of Postgraduate Studies Federal University Otuoke has organized a Maiden Public Lecture Series at the Auditorium of the School on Wednesday, 23th September, 2026 with a call for stronger collaboration among universities, government agencies and industry to drive sustainable national development through local content, innovation and strategic partnerships
The theme of the Public Lecture “Driving Sustainable National Development Through Local Content, Innovation and Strategic Partnership”, brought together Senate members, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, postgraduate students, representatives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, and other industry players.
The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Iheoma Adekunle in her welcome address described the lecture as a historic milestone for the chool, an opportunity to begin a sustained conversation on knowledge, innovation, partnership and contribution of FUO to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. Stated that the Lecture was designed to move beyond the addition of another activity to the academic calendar of the University, and create a platform for meaningful engagement between academia, industry and government.
Professor Adekunle expressed confidence that the interaction would generate practical ideas capable of strengthening research, innovation and collaboration between FUO and other relevant institutions.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine described the theme of the lecture as very apt and timely, stressing the importance of reducing dependence on foreign expertise and solutions, and emphasized the need to strengthen human, intellectual and material resources of Nigeria
Professor Mebine challenged universities to ensure that teaching and research produce practical solutions to national and local challenges.
He urged postgraduate students and researchers to look beyond academic qualifications and consider the wider social and economic value of their research.
According to him, universities should develop research that addresses critical areas such as energy security, environmental sustainability, food security, digital transformation, healthcare and infrastructure.
The Vice-Chancellor also called for stronger partnerships between Federal University Otuoke and the NCDMB, particularly in student industrial training, research, capacity development and the deployment of university expertise to industry.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the relevance of science, technology and other disciplines to industry, noting that academic knowledge should be connected to practical applications.
Professor Mebine further appealed to NCDMB to strengthen its engagement with the University and explore opportunities for students and researchers to benefit from projects and facilities within the oil and gas sector.
The Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Osakue Stevenson Omoera while delivering a lecture titled “Edutainment Potentials of the Humanities in Global Attention Economy, examined the growing contributions of culture, creativity and innovation to economic development, social cohesion and global engagement.
He argued that the creative economy should be regarded as an important component of sustainable development and highlighted opportunities in music, film and animation, fashion, digital gaming, creative writing, stand-up comedy, spoken-word art, dance, visual arts, community theatre and related fields. He encouraged Nigerian universities to connect humanities education with emerging creative industries and to equip students with practical skills that can translate knowledge into employment, entrepreneurship and economic value.
Professor Omera identified inadequate funding, limited investment opportunities, weak regulatory structures and poor infrastructure among others as challenges confronting the creative sector.
He enjoined government agencies, financial institutions and technology based companies to explore partnerships with creative practitioners and universities to expand opportunities within Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.
A major highlight of the lecture was a presentation by the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Iheoma Adekunle, on “The Capabilities of Federal University Otuoke in Contributing to the Advancement of Safe, Sustainable, Scientifically Validated and Locally Developed Approaches to Environmental Remediation in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector.”
Professor Adekunle showcased a research initiative developed by a team of researchers at the University to address petroleum pollution and environmental degradation and explained that the team had developed an AI and nano-enabled, nature-based bio-remediation platform known as Soil Regen, which converts invasive aquatic biomass into value-added remediation products.
According to her, the research has produced both solid and liquid products designed for the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated environments.
She said the project had progressed from laboratory research to prototype development and validation, adding that the team had participated in the NCDMB Innovation Challenge and emerged among the Top 10 innovators adding that the research team is now working towards field-scale trials, product optimization and eventual commercialisation.
Professor Adekunle emphasised that the project represents a home-grown solution developed through Nigerian research capacity and has the potentials to contribute to environmental restoration, food security, green enterprise development and employment.
Professor Adekunle noted that the project has involved academic staff, postgraduate researchers and undergraduate students, demonstrating the value of interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Omatsola Ogbe in his presentation by Mr. Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, Director Planning, Research and Statistics, outlined the mandate, programmes and opportunities available through the Board.
Speaking on the theme, “Driving Sustainable National Development Through Local Content, Innovation and Strategic Partnership,” Mr. Ajimijaye said sustainable national development requires deliberate collaboration among government, academia and industry.
He explained that the NCDMB was established under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, with a mandate centred on developing and promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.
He identified technology development, local employment, reduction of capital flight, local ownership, value-chain development, increased local production and sustainable economic growth as important elements of the Nigerian Content philosophy.
Mr. Ajimijaye urged universities to align postgraduate research with real industry challenges and develop solutions capable of moving from research laboratories to commercial application, and explained the Board’s Triple Helix Model, which brings together government, industry and academia to develop human capacity, infrastructure, research and innovation.
According to him, government provides regulation and enabling infrastructure, industry provides operational challenges, market access and deployment opportunities, while universities contribute research, knowledge and skilled manpower.
He encouraged Federal University Otuoke to identify areas of comparative advantage and develop proposals that could attract NCDMB and industry support.
The Guest Lecturer further highlighted opportunities in engineering studies, safety and environmental studies, technology development, local material substitution, geological and geophysical studies and other areas relevant to the oil and gas industry.
He encouraged the University to strengthen internships, industrial training, professional certification and industry-focused capacity development to improve the employability of graduates, and noted that university degrees should provide a foundation for life-long professional development rather than serve as the final measure of an individual’s career possibilities.
Mr. Ajimijaye highlighted the Board’s interventions in local content development, including research and development, human capital development, technology incubation and innovation, and encouraged researchers at Federal University Otuoke to take advantage of NCDMB’s innovation and research support initiatives and to develop multi-disciplinary teams capable of taking ideas from conception through proto-typing and commercialisation.
He also challenged the University to identify areas where it could establish or attract a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with industry and relevant government agencies.
Mr. Ajimilaye said the Board was interested in partnerships that could transform research outputs into commercially viable products and services.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a plaque of honour to Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, in recognition of his distinguished service as Guest Lecturer at the Maiden Public Lecture Series which was received on his behalf by Mr. Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, who also received a separate plaque in recognition of his service and contribution to the success of the lecture.
The School of Postgraduate Studies also presented a plaque of honour to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine in recognition of his leadership and support for the Maiden Public Lecture Series.
In his closing remarks, Professor Mebine commended the Dean and staff of the School of Postgraduate Studies for organising the lecture and expressed satisfaction with the level of participation, stating that FUO will sustain the initiative and provide opportunities for more academic, industry and government engagements, and thanked the NCDMB delegation, members of the University, Postgraduate students and other participants for attending the programme.
Professor Mebine expressed the readiness of FUO to collaborate with relevant organisations to promote research, innovation and practical solutions to development challenges.
The Public Lecture featured closing prayer, group photograph of NCDMB delegation, principal officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Head of Units, staff, postgraduate students, among others.
Those in attendance were the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Iheoma Adekunle; Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Festus Akpotohwo; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Scott Bernard Akpila, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Harcourt Wokocha; Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Osakue Omoera.
Others include Sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Azebi Innocent Oyeinbrakemi; the Deputy Director, Directorate of Media and Communications, Dr. Onyeka Ike; the University Orator, Dr. Charles Ikimi; Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, Mr. Oyinkepreye Ogor; Heads of Exams and Records, PG School, Madam Wongo Ruth Aruitie; Head of Admissions of the PG School, Mrs. Gbeji-Dan Dipamo Princess; Head of Quality Assurance, PG School, Mr. Bribebe Godswill; Head of General Administration of the PG School, Mr. Akpama Ebisuobode Lawrence; Head, Information and Communications Technology Unit, Mr. Krotimi Gagede; the SAVC, Mr. Francis Elaweremi; the University Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mercy Ekott who was the moderator of the event.
Also, present were officials of the NCDMB, Dr. Ayebatonye Epemu, Senior Officer, Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Usman Idris, Officer, Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Kingsley Ichenwo, Officer, Planning, Research and Statistics; and Mr. Isma’il Mamman Tahir, Officer, Planning, Research and Statistics.
The Maiden Public Lecture Series marked another step in Federal University Otuoke’s efforts to strengthen the connection between postgraduate education, research, innovation, industry and national development.
