The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has taken steps to equip Nigerian youths with data analytics skills, as a way of impacting the oil and gas industry significantly and empowering the youths.
The South-West leg of the event was held on Tuesday in Victoria Island, Lagos and it marks a significant milestone in NCDMB’s sustained efforts to promote digital transformation, local content growth, and youth empowerment through strategic partnerships.
The initiative is sponsored by Seplat Energy Plc, in collaboration with NCDMB’s Human Capacity Development Division and Uniqueocean Limited, the programme’s implementing partner.
Similar events were scheduled for the North Central, South East, South-South, North East, and North West zones of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, the Manager, Services Utilisation, Mohammed Ahmed, congratulated the 20 high-potential participants selected for the training and urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity.
He said: “This programme is the result of detailed planning, commitment, and collaboration between NCDMB and our partners.
“We expect every participant to be fully committed for the entire 18-month duration, as the Board and its partners have made significant financial and technical investments to ensure your success. This is not just training; it is a transformative journey.”
Ahmed noted that the initiative aligns with the Board’s mandate to close identified skill gaps and ensure Nigerian professionals remain globally competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“We want you to see yourselves not as students but as young professionals in the oil and gas industry,” he added. “Be open-minded, ready to unlearn and relearn. This programme is rigorous but rewarding. If you are focused and disciplined, it will change the trajectory of your career.”
Also speaking at the event, Letty Agala of NCDMB’s Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate outlined the Code of Conduct guiding the trainees’ engagement, emphasising professionalism, discipline, and accountability.
“This programme demands responsibility,” she said. “Participants must adhere strictly to attendance and conduct requirements. Absenteeism without approval will not be tolerated. Each trainee is expected to demonstrate the ethics and behaviour of a young professional representing NCDMB in the oil and gas space.”
The Board further established a monthly reporting system to monitor the progress of participants and ensure seamless communication between the training centre and NCDMB. Class representatives were appointed to coordinate feedback and maintain a professional learning environment.
Delivering an overview of the curriculum, Programme Manager, Uniqueocean Limited, Emmanuel Adeshola, explained that the training is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.
“This initiative is about preparing Nigerians for the future of work,” Adeshola said. “It will cover key disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development. Participants will work collaboratively on real-life projects, including developing a Minimum Viable Product for equipment maintenance in the oil and gas sector.”
