# NCDMB and NLNG Launch $9M Professorial Research Endowment in Nigeria Six universities receive funding to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/24616736-b6fa-4395-ac0e-6826bd1e8fc3 ## Strategic Research Endowment Launch The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and Nigeria LNG Limited have launched a nine million dollar endowment program. This initiative funds six professorial chairs across various Nigerian universities to foster technological innovation. The project aims to translate academic research into practical, commercially viable solutions for the country's evolving energy sector. ## Funding and Institutional Scope Each of the six participating universities will receive 1.5 million dollars to establish specialized research chairs. Beneficiary institutions include the University of Ibadan, Rivers State University, and Modibbo Adama University. Other recipients are Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University. ## Industry-Driven Research Priorities The program targets critical energy industry challenges such as operational efficiency, emission management, and infrastructure maintenance. Research will focus on areas like natural gas processing, digital engineering, and sustainable energy innovation. These efforts are designed to strengthen local research capacity while addressing the specific technical needs of Nigeria's oil and gas industry. ## The Triple Helix Framework NLNG Managing Director Adeleye Falade emphasized a triple helix approach connecting government, industry, and academia. This model facilitates sabbaticals, exchange programs, and the joint development of postgraduate curricula. By integrating practical testing into academic study, the program aims to prepare the next generation of researchers for real-world industrial problem-solving and innovation. ## Coordinating Research and Collaboration Rivers State University will host the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering, serving as the central hub for inter-university collaboration. The program also seeks to attract additional support from global partners like Google, Cisco, and MTN. This hub will manage knowledge sharing and coordinate research progress across all sites. ## Focus on Commercialization Pathways NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe urged universities to transition from research for publication to research for application. The institutions are tasked with delivering measurable outcomes and pursuing the commercialization of intellectual property. This shift is intended to drive industrial transformation and ensure that academic findings contribute directly to national economic competitiveness. ## Infrastructure and Capacity Building The endowment funding covers minor civil works and infrastructure upgrades to create fit-for-purpose research centers within the universities. These facilities will support both technical and non-technical disciplines, allowing students to gain industry experience while pursuing advanced degrees. The investment ensures that physical environments match the ambitious goals of the research program. ## Specific Institutional Research Focus Each university has been assigned a distinct research niche to prevent overlap and maximize impact. For instance, the University of Ibadan focuses on pollution control, while the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializes in green energy. Yakubu Gowon University will concentrate on geoscience and satellite intelligence to support the resilience of national gas infrastructure. ## Long-term Strategic Vision This initiative aligns with NLNG’s NextGen Nigerian Content Strategy, which prioritizes local expertise and sustainable growth. By fostering deeper adoption of local content principles, the program aims to secure the future of Nigeria's energy sector. The ultimate success will be measured by the deployment of home-grown solutions and stronger institutional research capabilities. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/promoted/924318-ncdmb-nlng-commits-us9m-to-endowment-of-professorial-research-chairs-in-six-nigerian-universities.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._