Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Rivers State University (RSU) have commenced construction of a US$6.2 million (about N8.43 billion) Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering at the university in Port Harcourt.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE) was held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the RSU campus, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo.
The project is being implemented under NLNG’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) Plan and forms part of the NCDMB Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme.
The centre is expected to enhance advanced, industry-focused research, specialised training, technology development and practical problem-solving in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
It will occupy approximately 9,336 square metres of land and feature a three-storey building measuring more than 9,000 square metres, with 18 specialised laboratories.
The laboratories will cover areas including electronics and signal processing, robotics and embedded systems, software engineering, digital forensics and cybersecurity.
The facility will also contain offices, storage facilities and technical administration spaces, while incorporating sustainability features such as solar energy provisions and energy-efficient lighting.
As part of the initiative, a US$1.2 million Professorial Chair will be established to promote advanced research, academic leadership and stronger collaboration between the university and industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, represented by the company’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall, described RICCEE as more than a physical infrastructure.
She said the centre would provide students, lecturers and researchers with the tools required for practical learning, applied research and innovation in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
According to her, the facility would strengthen academia-industry collaboration and ensure that research conducted at RSU addresses operational and societal challenges confronting Nigeria.
Horsfall said NLNG’s investment was aimed at strengthening institutional capacity through modern infrastructure, research facilities, technical equipment and industry-aligned training programmes.
She added that the centre would help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements by providing opportunities for researchers and professionals to collaborate on commercially and developmentally relevant innovations.
“While infrastructure is important, people remain our greatest investment. Education delivers the highest return because it builds confidence, competence and capacity for national development,” she said.
Horsfall also disclosed that NLNG’s Research and Development Implementation Consultancy would be domiciled at the centre upon completion.
She said the consultancy would support the development of a robust research and development framework in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, while facilitating commercially viable and industry-relevant research in partnership with selected tertiary institutions.
She commended NCDMB for its leadership in bringing industry and academia together and reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustainable human capital development and indigenous technological advancement.
Representing NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the project as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Board’s human capital development objectives.
Bamidele said NCDMB was fully aligned with NLNG in the implementation of RICCEE and would work with all stakeholders to ensure its successful completion.
He explained that the project was part of the Board’s Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to establish sustainable partnerships with higher institutions by providing infrastructure to improve teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.
He challenged the centre to become a hub of discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement where students could develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges and industry could find reliable research and development partners.
Bamidele commended NLNG for its commitment to the project and praised the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and management of RSU for their dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the groundbreaking as a historic milestone for the institution.
He said RICCEE aligned with the university’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritises improved academic programmes, research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the project originated from an appeal for corporate support made by Engr. Dr Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi, former Acting Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with the support of the DE ’95 graduates of the university.
Zeb-Obipi said he subsequently appointed Amadi as the pioneer Acting Director of RICCEE.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to NLNG and NCDMB for the US$6.2 million investment, the US$1.2 million Professorial Chair and overseas training opportunities provided for key staff who will manage the facility.
He said the project represented more than the construction of a new building, describing it as the foundation for research excellence, technological innovation and the development of a new generation of engineers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness.
He assured stakeholders that the university would ensure effective utilisation of the centre to strengthen research capacity, develop human capital, promote innovation and deepen collaboration with industry and other educational institutions.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Ibinyefagha R. Alabere, commended NLNG, NCDMB and RSU for investing in the educational and technological future of Rivers State and Nigeria.
She said the project would create opportunities for young people, promote innovation and contribute to sustainable development and economic growth in Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State and Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate of NCDMB, Mr Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye; Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Tourism and Development Agency, Mr Yibo Koko; former NCDMB Director of Capacity Building, Dr Ama Ikuru; and Dr Collins Iyoloma, who spoke on behalf of the university’s alumni.
The speakers commended the partnership between NLNG, NCDMB and RSU, describing it as a model for effective collaboration among government, industry and academia.
The ceremony featured the formal handover of project drawings and equipment to the Vice-Chancellor and contractors.
The foundation stone was also symbolically laid by Prof. Zeb-Obipi; Alabere; Engr. Bamidele; and Dr Horsfall, marking the commencement of construction of the research and innovation centre.
