By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
The Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, November 21, 2019, inducted its class of 2019 students in grand style.
The 40 students, 20 of who did Masters Degree programme while 20 did Post Graduate Diploma, all came out in flying colours with A-class, a feat that made the 16th induction ceremony historic.
Also for the first time in the history of the Institute, five of its students graduated with distinctions.
Expressing joy at the achievement, the Managing Director, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, Mike Sangster, who was represented at the event by the Executive General Manager, Mr Godwin Barika, said his company is proud to be part of the success story of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, UniPort.
“That is why we have continued to support the institute to ensure that it continues to live up to the expectations of its founders and to be a leader in innovation for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
“In addition to capacity development, the IPS has fostered a strong partnership between the petroleum industry and research institutions and development agencies, thus linking the oil and gas industry with other industries and stakeholders,” he said.
Mr Sangster said as part of its commitment towards ensuring excellence in research and capacity building, Total has invested over thirty million dollars ($30,000,000.00) into its partnership programme with the Institute of Petroleum Studies, UniPort, which he said was inspired by the company’s desire to help Nigeria raise a crop of highly skilled young people.
He said: “So far, Total has invested over $30 million under its partnership with the University of Port Harcourt in the areas of capacity building, infrastructure, research and associated programmes. Today’s event – the induction/anniversary ceremony of 20 MSc and 20 PGD graduatesstands as a fitting tribute to the foresight of the initiators of this partnership, particularly with research to the IPS.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa E.S. Lale, said the collaboration between the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS) and Institut Francaise du Petrole (IFP) has enriched the programmes of IPS.
According to him, institutes like IPS need viable collaborations to survive, adding that the modules used in the IPS has greatly impacted on the institute’s products.
The UniPort VC, who is a member of the Board of Trustees of IPS, commended Total E&P Nigeria Ltd for its generous support to the institute in particular and the university in general.
“The University of Port Harcourt will continue to provide a robust environment for the sustenance of this collaboration,” Lale promised, while congratulating the graduating students for their achievement.
In his speech, chairman of the Governing Board of the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), Abiodun Afolabi, said that IPS was formed in 2003 when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the University of Port Harcourt, the IFP and Total envisioned to establish an institute which will become the foremost international centre of excellence in Nigeria, offering specialized programmes in Petroleum Geosciences and Technology, Petroleum Economics and Management, and Petroleum Policy and Strategic Studies.
“The mission was straightforward: to meet the needs of the Petroleum Industry through a commitment to excellence in training, applied research, continuing education and capacity building,” he said.
Abiodun Afolabi added: “Today, we can say that this vision has been achieved but with the continued support of the NNPC, guidance from the University and support of the IFP School, France, we can also say that the best of our institute still lies ahead.”
In his lecture on The Role of Collaboration in Institutional Stability, Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, who was represented by Ben Norhile, said that collaboration brings about efficiency as could be seen in that between IPS and IFP.
Kyari, who noted that the NNPC is in collaboration with most oil companies such as Shell, Chevron, Mobil, etc, explained that when individuals or institutions collaborate, new energies are created.
Highlights of the event were the conferment of Fellow of IPS Awards on Mele Kyari and Olatunji Akinwunmi, and presentation of awards to deserving stakeholders as well as the induction of the 40 graduands.
