UniPort partners company to boost academic excellence in petroleum engineering

By Samuel Godspower- Uniport

The University of Port Harcourt has partnered Renaissance Africa Energy Company to boost academic excellence in petroleum engineering in the country.

The varsity hosts Renaissance Africa Energy Team for the annual review of the Aret Adams Professorial Chair in Petroleum Engineering.

A reliable source within the University said the Chair is a prestigious, company-funded academic position that supports teaching, research, and student mentorship in petroleum engineering.

The visiting team, led by Kenneth Nweke and accompanied by Mr Victor Hart, began the engagement with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor. 

The VC was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development), Angela Ine Frank-Briggs.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed ongoing activities under the endowed Chair and discussed expectations for the next phase of implementation.

Nweke, speaking on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy, commended the UniPort Management for what he described as a “sustained and cordial working relationship” between the institution and the company. 

He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to mentoring students, strengthening research, and supporting academic excellence in petroleum engineering.

He also confirmed the extension of the Chair’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for another four years.

Responding, Frank-Briggs expressed appreciation for the company’s long-standing support. She assured the delegation that the University remains committed to ensuring that the Aret Adams Chair continues to deliver on its mandate through quality teaching, training, and impactful research, particularly in developing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Also in attendance were the Chairperson, Sunday Ikensikimama, and the Research Fellow, Virtue Urunwo Wachikwu-Elechi. 

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both the University and Renaissance Africa Energy reaffirming their commitment to advancing research, training, and student mentorship under the Aret Adams Professorial Chair.