The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, have pledged to collaborate on the development of energy inter-conversion and storage as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic development and transformation.
Group managing director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, and the vice chancellor of the Sokoto-based university, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, made the commitment during a visit by members of the university council, led by the university’s pro-chancellor, Hon. Justice Pearl Enejere (rtd).
Kyari, who welcomed the university management to the NNPC challenged them to always champion the development and transformation of their local communities through research and innovation.
“It is high time universities connected to the world. It is also high time researchers left the drawing board and came to work for the communities. Let us see how some of your abilities can be put to use for the common good of us all,” the NNPC boss stated.
He further explained that the corporation was ready to collaborate with the university in the area of energy transition and renewable energy, which are key features of the corporation’s new business focus.
On his part, Professor Bilbis, called on both parties to serve as a catalyst for development, so as to provide lasting solutions to the nation’s lingering energy problems.
He commended the Kyari on his stewardship so far, especially in the area of transparency and accountability, which he said have engendered a positive transformation in the corporation and the Nigerian oil and gas industry at large.
“NNPC is being transformed, we are seeing the NNPC of our dream. I believe if other sectors of the economy are doing like NNPC, Nigeria will work for all of us,” the vice chancellor concluded.