The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have launched an initiative at the  Rivers State University known as NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE) .

 

The research and development hub is expected to promote industry-focused research and develop solutions to critical operational challenges, particularly those confronting NLNG.

 

The project, known as NLNG’s largest Human Capital Development (HCD) Institutional Strengthening initiative, is designed to enhance the university’s capacity to undertake advanced, industry-relevant research, provide specialised training and develop technological solutions in computer and electrical engineering for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

 

A statement issued on Thursday by the NLNG, General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development , Sophia Horsefall and GM Corporate Communications Division, NCDMB , Obinna Ezeobi, noted that a professorial chair will also be instituted as part of the initiative, with the centre expected to operate as a fully functional .

 

The statement said, the project is also aimed at improving the capacity of institutions of learning through upgraded infrastructure, modern research facilities, technical equipment and industry-aligned training programmes.

The project will extend human capital development beyond the classroom by integrating academic instruction with research, technology development, professional training and practical problem-solving.

It is expected to position Rivers State University as a stronger contributor to indigenous innovation and the development of solutions relevant to Nigeria’s industrial priorities.

 

The statement added that, successful research outcomes will also have the potential for commercialisation and wider application across the industry.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, described the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to sustainable human capital development.

 

Falade, who was represented by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the centre would strengthen the university’s capacity to produce highly skilled professionals and conduct research that responds directly to industry needs.

 

He said RICCEE would further bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements by enabling researchers and professionals to collaborate on innovations with commercial and developmental relevance.

 

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Board’s Human Capital Development objectives.

 

He said the project formed part of NCDMB‘s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to establish enduring partnerships with institutions of higher learning by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.

 

Ogbe challenged the centre to become a vibrant hub of discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement, where students would be inspired to innovate, researchers develop solutions to real-world challenges, and industry find reliable partners for research and development.

 

He commended NLNG for its commitment to the project and lauded the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and management of Rivers State University for their commitment to academic excellence.

 

Speaking on the significance of the project, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, said the university’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan prioritised improving academic programmes and strengthening research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

He said the RICCEE centre would provide a vital platform for advancing these objectives.

 

“We envisage the Centre as a world-class hub where researchers and students can develop practical solutions to engineering and technological challenges, where university-industry collaboration can flourish, and where innovative ideas can be transformed into useful products, technologies and services.

 

“The presence of NLNG and NCDMB today underscores the immense value of strategic partnerships,” he said.

 

Zeb-Obipi expressed gratitude to NLNG and NCDMB, reaffirming the university’s commitment to ensuring that the centre was utilised productively to strengthen research, build human capacity, foster innovation and deepen collaboration with industry and educational institutions.

 

The centre will be developed on approximately 9,336 square metres of land within Rivers State University and will accommodate specialised laboratories for Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, among other facilities.

 

The laboratories will include built-in offices and storage areas to support research, teaching, equipment management and technical administration.

 

The building will also incorporate sustainability features, including provision for solar energy, energy-efficient lighting and environmentally responsible systems designed to reduce operating costs and support reliable research activities.

RICCEE is one of the Institutional Strengthening Projects being implemented under NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Programme.