As we enter the second quarter of 2025, I am pleased to share that we have maintained strong momentum in delivering on our focused agenda anchored on the 5Es: Elevating NAPE’s profile, owering our members, Engaging in advocacy, Establishing strategic partnerships, and Enhancing infrastructure and capacity development. In this month’s message, I will be sharing my reflections across these pillars.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
We successfully launched the Computer Workstation Donation Initiative across Nigeria’s universities. The first of these workstations were donated to Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), with more scheduled across other geopolitical zones. The high-end workstations were warmly received by the Vice Chancellors of both universities. During these visits, I reaffirmed NAPE’s commitment to Human Capital Development and ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between the academia and the industry.
Additionally, we hosted a 3-day Train-the-Tranier workshop on Petrophysics software usage sponsored by Halliburton. The hands-on session expanded the capabilities of our Geoscience lecturers and post graduate students in Formation Evaluation and Subsurface Integration.
Our Pair-to-Teach initiative continues to gain momentum. We have now impacted over fifty beneficiary universities, with more than seventy industry professionals volunteering their time to bridge the industry – academia gap. The initiative is significantly reshaping how we train future geoscientists by incorporating real-time industry input directly into university learning environments.
Celebrations: NAPE@50, World Geologist Day and Easter Season
At a media Parley in April, I had the honour of unveiling our Golden Jubilee celebration theme: “NAPE @ 50: Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa”.This theme not only reflect our legacy, but a bold declaration of our continued leadership in shaping Africa’s energy future. On 14th August, we will celebrate our history while strategically charting the course for the next 50 years. During the media parley, I also highlighted other key topics including Frontier Basin Exploration initiatives and our Gas reserve growth drive. All these were widely covered in National dailies and can be assessed through the following links:
https://guardian.ng/news/stakeholders-to-brainstorm-at-nape-50th-anniversary
In April, we also celebrated World Geologist Day at Lufasi Nature Park! This activity was led by our Young Professionals and filled with lots of fun and networking.
We celebrated Easter with our Christian members and their families. This moment reminds us of our togetherness in NAPE.
Furthermore, we celebrated the appointment of our past President, Mr Austin Avuru, FNAPE to the board of NNPCL, and we commend Malam Mele Kyari, FNAPE for the achievements over the past five years plus as GMD NNPC and GCEO NNPCL.
Knowledge Sharing through Technical, Business, and Mentoring Sessions
We successfully delivered our monthly Technical & Business Meetings across multiple locations and chapters, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin, Uyo/Calabar, and UK/Europe. If you missed them, you can catch up on the NAPE YouTube channel for the recordings: NAPE NIGERIA – YouTube
In April, we hosted a special NAPE-Stran & Blen Partners Webinar on Navigating the 2024 Incentives and Tax Allowances in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector and Navigating Host Community Development.
We have revived the NAPE Mentoring Circles initiative with 25 committed mentors in place and over 350 Mentee applications submitted. The Relationship managers working with our Vice president will soon match the Mentees with the Mentors for a structured and impactful mentorship journey.
Main Conference and Mini-Conference Planning in Full Swing
We are excited to announce the Theme for the NAPE-NMGS Mini-Conference 2025, holding from August 28–30, 2025, at Kwara State University (KWASU): “Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Enhancing Geoscience Education for Sustainable Development”. This event will serve as a melting pot of ideas to strengthen geoscience education, and align academic research with industry needs.
Preparations are in top gear for the NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition holding in Lagos from 9th to 13th November under the Theme: “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration & Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.” Abstract submission, Registrations, Basin Evaluation Competition, Sponsorships and Exhibitions bookings are ongoing.
Continued Advocacy
On April 14th, I led a delegation to visit the Managing Director of NNPC Energy Services (ENSERVE) in Abuja. Discussions focused on advancing frontier exploration and a renewed seismic acquisition drive aimed at enhancing subsurface imaging at greater depths. These efforts are targeted at boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves.
Website Upgrade
We have successfully migrated the NAPE website database to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), significantly boosting our hosting capacity to support upcoming initiatives like the NAPE Academy and ensuring the platform meets modern 21st-century standards. Additionally, we have acquired a new conference abstract submission system, Sessionize, to enhance the efficiency and management of technical papers and sessions during our conferences.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NAPE Executive Committee elections are underway, with positions open for Vice-President, President-Elect, and University Assistance Program Chairman. I encourage eligible members to step forward and shape our collective future.
The call for 2025 distinguished honours and recognition of our deserving members have commenced covering Aret Adams, Honorary Member, Fellowship, Ben Osuno, Young Professional Service, and NAPE Outstanding Earth Science awards.
Also open now is the 2025 NAPE Research Grants-in-Aid which is a funding opportunity for NAPE members conducting research in petroleum systems, energy resources, climate impact, and many more. I look forward to seeing groundbreaking innovations from this initiative.
All details are available on the NAPE website and social media platforms.
Our Commitment
We remain committed to strengthening NAPE’s advocacy with the government on critical energy matters, enhancing industry-academia connections, and driving impactful initiatives that benefit all our members and associates.
As we continue our journey in 2025, let us stay united by purpose, driven by innovation, and committed to excellence. The future is not just ahead – it is already here.
Johnbosco Uche, FNAPE
NAPE President