Human capital investment central to effective national resource devt. – Geoscience society
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) says human capital is central to effective national resource development and the sustainability of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
The NMGS President, Ms. Rose Ndong, stated this on Friday at the 3rd NMGS/ND Western/Layi Fatona Annual Lecture Series held at the University of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was sponsored by ND Western Limited, a Nigerian oil exploration company.
The theme of the lecture is entitled: “Development of Geoscience Human Capital for the Nigerian Upstream Sector: The Degeconek Experience”.
Ndong noted that the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience depend not just on natural resources, technology and investment, but fundamentally on the quality of the professionals managing them.
She added that the sector is undergoing profound transformation driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, energy transition and environmental imperatives.
She noted that while Nigeria has a strong track record of producing skilled geoscientists, the evolving industry demands ongoing reviews of how the next generation is trained, mentored, and retained.
She stressed the need for universities, professional bodies, government and industries to ensure academic training is adequately connected to real-world requirements.
In his address, Dr Layi Fatona, the Chairman of the Board of ND Western Limited and Chief Host of the lecture, emphasised the need to create more opportunities for students to participate in research, conferences and other professional activities that enhance practical exposure.
He proposed the establishment of a Student Science Development Fund to provide structured support for eligible students, covering conference participation, conference dues, poster presentations and research activities.
According to him, the initiative will launch with the Department of Geology, University of Ibadan as the pilot institution.
HE added that it would include a governance structure with the NMGS to ensure sustainability and future expansion.
Guest Speaker at the event, Mr Abiodun Adesanya, CEO, Degeconek Hydrocarbon Asset Management Company, noted that human capital development goes beyond obtaining degrees.
According to him, it requires a combination of education, practical field experience, and mentorship.
He cited the Degeconek experience as an example of industry contribution to capacity building, disclosing that hundreds of geoscientists have passed through the organisation, gaining access to real project data and professional experience.
Adesanya charged students and young geoscientists to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry by embracing continuous learning, emerging technologies such as AI, climate change considerations, professional networking and practical skill development.
He noted that while university education provides the foundation, sustained professional growth depends on experience, mentorship and adaptability.
Mr Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies Limited and Chairman of the event, said Nigeria’s energy industry requires professionals capable of driving innovation and adapting to changing global demands.
He emphasised the need for energy sufficiency for Africa anchored on a competent human resource base.
The chairman commended the NMGS, ND Western and the University of Ibadan for sustaining a platform for knowledge sharing and professional development.
According to Igiedon, sustaining the initiative means transferring experience and opportunities to the next generation of geoscientists. (NAN)
