The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of African engineers, innovators, and industrial leaders, as it hosted outstanding students from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) on an educational tour of Africa’s largest refinery complex.

The visit was in fulfilment of a promise made by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, during the university’s 37th public lecture, where he pledged to expose exceptional students to world-class industrial operations.

The initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience.

The delegation, led by the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Nnenna Oti, comprised top-performing students drawn from engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship disciplines.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, while speaking during an interactive session with the students, described the facility as a compelling demonstration of how innovation, advanced technology, and private sector investment can drive economic transformation while opening up opportunities for young Africans.

According to Bird, the refinery, widely regarded as the world’s largest single-train refinery, represents the peak of technological sophistication on the African continent.

He emphasised that exposure to facilities of this scale is critical to reshaping perceptions about Africa’s industrial sector.

Bird further disclosed that the refinery plans to deepen collaboration with universities and research institutions, particularly in emerging fields, such as renewable energy and sustainable fuel technologies.

In her remark, the VC of FUTO described the visit as a transformative and life-changing experience for the students, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between academia and industry.

She said that the students were personally invited by Dangote earlier in the year, adding that the visit underscores the transformative impact of visionary African entrepreneurship in driving industrialisation and economic growth.

Also speaking, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Prof. Abraham Ngwuta, and Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Chikwendu Emenike Orji, described Aliko Dangote as a model entrepreneur whose diverse investments across critical sectors highlight the power of vision, discipline, and long-term value creation.

They noted that his industrial footprint offers a practical framework for students to understand entrepreneurship as a driver of national development, job creation, and economic transformation.