The Bauchi State Government has flagged off a N6.7 billion Oil and Gas Academy, receiving full assurance of Federal Government support from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who described the initiative as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s economic development agenda, particularly with oil exploration resuming at the Kolmani oil field.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Senator Lokpobiri said the academy would play a vital role in training a new generation of skilled professionals for the oil and gas industry. He also pledged to fast-track certification approvals to ensure the smooth commencement and operation of the facility.
Designed for completion within two years, the academy will include state-of-the-art classrooms, an ICT hub, a library, a clinic, a cafeteria, an administrative block, and a perimeter fence.
The Minister urged youths and women from Bauchi and neighbouring Gombe State to take full advantage of the training opportunities, stressing the need for a technically skilled workforce to unlock the economic potential of the Kolmani oil discovery.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, thanked the Minister and the Federal Government for their backing, saying the initiative aligns with the state’s ambition to become a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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He also appealed for sustained federal support in equipping youths and women with technical and vocational skills to enhance service delivery in Kolmani and other emerging oil-producing areas.
Governor Mohammed explained that the idea for the academy stemmed from the recent commercial oil discovery in the region, and he praised President Tinubu’s administration for funding the project.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello, assured that the ministry would closely supervise the project to ensure compliance with quality standards and contract specifications.
