Advocate collaboration between academia, industry, govt to reposition energy sector
The Nigerian Mining and Geo-sciences Society (NMGS), a veteran geo-scientist and Vice Chairman of the Board of ND Western, Dr Layi Fatona; a renowned geo-scientist and energy expert, Professor Philip Amadi; the Vice Chancellor [VC] of the University of Ibadan [UI], Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and others, have called for sustained and strategic investment in human capital as a pathway to achieving Nigeria’s long-sought energy independence and security.
They made the call during the second NMGS/ND Western/ Layi Fatona annual lecture series held at Layi Fatona Lecture Theatre, Professor M.O. Oyawoye E-Library, the Department of Geology, University of Ibadan [UI].
The event, organised by NMGS, brought together industry professionals, academics, alumni, like Prof. Idowu Olayinka, a geophysicist and former VC of the premier university; students, and dignitaries, including members of the celebrated University of Ibadan Geology Class of 1973, affectionately known as “The Big Mouths.”
The day’s lecture, themed “Human Capital Developmental Efforts to Foster Nigeria’s Energy Independence and Security”, featured Professor Philip Amadi, a leading scholar in energy policy and geo-science, as the guest speaker.
The experts and scholars called for collaboration between academia, industry, and government to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector through education, innovation, and strategic human capacity development.
Speaking, an industry leader, Dr. Layi Fatona, reaffirmed the critical role of human capital development in securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Fatona described the lecture series as more than an academic exercise, calling it a personal “homecoming,” a celebration of legacy, and a platform for reshaping the nation’s energy narrative through knowledge, collaboration, and people-focused dialogue.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s path to true energy independence lies not only in tapping its natural resources but in building a generation of skilled, innovative, and visionary professionals capable of transforming those resources into sustainable national value.
In his lecture, Professor Philip Amadi called for a radical rethink of Nigeria’s energy and environmental policies, urging the government to prioritise what is truly in the best interest of Nigerians over bureaucratic expansion and conflicting agendas. Amadi emphasised that sound policy must be driven by national interest and human capital development, not just regulatory expansion or international pressure.
“The major issue is not whether the government is doing well. It is that we have too many regulatory agencies, too many departments. Each administration introduces new parastatals, new bodies, often with overlapping roles, creating confusion and inefficiency. We have over 20 agencies working at cross-purposes,” Amadi stated.
He pointed out the contradiction in Nigeria’s current approach to energy development, where oil and gas contribute nearly 90 per cent of national income, yet the country is simultaneously committing to massive climate change expenditures.
The professor argued that Nigeria is not yet ready for meaningful climate change investments because the foundational structures, particularly human capital development, are not in place.
He stressed that any transition, whether in energy, climate, or economy, must be built on a well-trained and innovative workforce that understands the local context and is capable of designing sustainable solutions.
In her remarks, the president of the NMGS, Ms Rose Ndong, emphasised the critical role of capacity building and knowledge transfer in sustaining the growth and development of Nigeria’s mining and geosciences industry.
The NMGS President reflected on the lecture series’ legacy of fostering education, mentorship, and industry collaboration.
“Over the years, we have hosted lectures covering diverse educational areas and involving various government agencies. These initiatives are designed to build capacity for the industry, while also giving back to the public, students, and academia,” he stated.
The President stressed that the focus on human capacity development is central to the society’s mission. “By mentoring young professionals and ensuring effective knowledge transfer, NMGS aims to bridge the gap between seasoned veterans and the emerging generation. It is passing on the ethics, information, and knowledge to those who are coming behind us.”
Also speaking, Mr. Feranmi Kehinde from ND Western Limited, described the event as a worthy cause, saying:
‘’We will continue to support programme like this’’.
Welcoming the guests, academics, and students to the institution, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Adebowale expressed appreciation to the NMGS for selecting the University of Ibadan to host the high-profile event, which honours the legacy of Dr. Layi Fatona, a renowned geoscientist and pioneer in Nigeria’s extractive industry.
The Vice Chancellor described the topic as both timely and critically urgent, especially in light of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with energy poverty despite its rich natural resource base.
“We are a nation blessed with abundant resources, yet we grapple with energy poverty and import dependency. This paradox can only be resolved through deliberate, strategic, and sustained investment in our most valuable resource, our people,” he noted.
The Professor stressed that true energy independence goes beyond the physical presence of oil or gas; it depends on indigenous capacity, technical expertise, and an innovative spirit to explore, manage, and maximise these resources for national development.
He emphasised the pivotal role of universities, particularly those with strong traditions in geosciences, engineering, and environmental management, in building the skilled workforce needed to drive transformation in the energy sector.
“At the University of Ibadan, through our Faculty of Science and Department of Geology, we are committed to developing a curriculum that is robust, dynamic, and industry-relevant,” he said.
He acknowledged the complexity of the human capital development challenge and urged for more policy-backed incentives to support cutting-edge research, talent retention, and job creation in the sector.
Commending the NMGS for its commitment to professionalism and national development, the Vice Chancellor described the annual lecture series as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and policy influence.
