The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have commenced a major research project at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
The partners on Thursday unveiled plans for a Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE). The centre is designed to strengthen advanced research, specialised training and technological development. It will focus on solutions for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.
Centre to Support Industry-Focused Research
According to NLNG, RICCEE will expand the university’s capacity for industry-relevant research and innovation. The centre will also house a professorial chair that will operate as a research and development hub. It will focus on solutions to critical operational challenges, particularly those affecting NLNG.
Moreover, successful research outcomes could be commercialised for wider industrial use. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, NLNG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, described the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Falade was represented by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall.
He said the centre would strengthen the university’s capacity to produce highly skilled professionals. It would also support research that directly addresses industry needs.
According to Falade, the project would strengthen the link between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements. That connection would allow researchers and professionals to develop commercially relevant innovations.
NCDMB Seeks Innovation and Technological Advancement
Meanwhile, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the groundbreaking as a major milestone. Ogbe was represented by the board’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele.
He said the project supports the board’s Human Capital Development objectives. It is being implemented under NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme.
The programme supports higher institutions with infrastructure for teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development. Ogbe therefore challenged the centre to become a hub for discovery, creativity and technological advancement. He said students should be encouraged to develop solutions to real-world problems.
He also urged researchers to build stronger partnerships with industry. In addition, he commended NLNG for its commitment to the project. He praised the Rivers State University Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and management for supporting academic excellence.
RSU Plans World-Class Research Hub
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, also highlighted the project’s importance. He said the university’s 2026–2030 strategic development plan prioritises research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, RICCEE will provide a platform for advancing those 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.”
Zeb-Obipi thanked NLNG and NCDMB for supporting the project. He also pledged that the university would ensure productive use of the facility. Accordingly, the centre is expected to strengthen research, human-capacity development and industry collaboration.
Centre to Feature Four Specialised Laboratories
RICCEE will occupy approximately 9,336 square metres within Rivers State University. The facility will include specialised laboratories for key areas of computer and electrical engineering.
These will cover Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. The laboratories will also have offices and storage areas. These facilities will support research, teaching, equipment management and technical operations.
Furthermore, the building will incorporate sustainability features. These will include provisions for solar energy and energy-efficient lighting. The design will also feature environmentally responsible systems to reduce operating costs.
Project Targets Indigenous Innovation
RICCEE is one of the Institutional Strengthening Projects under NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Programme.
The broader programme seeks to improve institutions through modern infrastructure, research facilities and technical equipment. It also promotes industry-aligned training and practical skills development.
Consequently, RICCEE will extend learning beyond conventional classroom instruction. Students and researchers will have opportunities to combine academic knowledge with practical problem-solving.
The centre could also strengthen Rivers State University’s contribution to indigenous technological development. More importantly, its research could produce solutions relevant to Nigeria’s industrial priorities. The project therefore creates a stronger link between higher education, research and industry.
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