Minister Kicks Off Building of Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy’s Permanent Campus

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah

In a move aimed at bolstering human capital within the energy sector, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent location of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy (BOGAA) in Alkaleri, Bauchi State.

At the ceremony, Lokpobiri emphasized that this initiative, spearheaded by the Bauchi State Government, directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to revitalize and expand Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through increased production and capacity development

“As part of efforts to activate all available oil platforms and increase national output, Mr. President approved all critical regulatory licenses required for the Kolmani Integrated Development Projects,” the minister said.

“Our objective remains to ensure that every productive oil platform contributes meaningfully to national growth.”

Highlighting the broader goals of the Timub administration, Lokpobiri emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s vast energy resources to stimulate economic prosperity.

“President Tinubu is intentional about transforming our energy landscape to fuel industrial development, generate employment, and boost national revenue,” he said.

He commended the Bauchi State Government for its foresight in establishing the Academy, describing it as a bold and progressive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s technical and professional workforce in the oil and gas sector.

“This Academy represents a deliberate investment in the future of our industry. Bauchi is playing a key role in developing the human capital essential for sustaining sectoral growth.”

The Minister also underscored the importance of building local capacity to harness the country’s extensive fossil fuel reserves.

He also acknowledged the crucial contributions of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in advancing training and research, and expressed optimism that BOGAA would forge a strong partnership with the Fund to enhance its programmes.

“PTDF has been instrumental in positioning our sector for long-term success,” he said.

“We are hopeful that this institution will work closely with the Fund to ensure it delivers the skills and innovation our industry needs.”

In his remarks, Bauchi Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, thanked the Federal Government for its continuous support and reiterated the state’s commitment to the full realization of the academy’s vision.

“This institution is not just a symbol of development—it is a catalyst for skills acquisition, innovation, and inclusive growth. It will serve not only the people of Bauchi but contribute significantly to national progress,” he said.

The event marks the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative journey for Bauchi State and Nigeria’s energy sector at large.