NCDMB, Schlumberger unveils SLB N-STEP, set to train students from 3 Universities in oil field software development
Group Managing Director, Schlumberger - West Africa, Sops Ideriah and The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Schlumberger, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, UNILAG, and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, has launched the SLB N-STEP program 2023 Cohort, aimed at providing employment opportunities and software development training for students targeting the oil field applications.
Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary NCDMB, made this known while delivering his speech at the NCDMB-Schlumberger Technology Enhancement Programme (SLB N-STEP) Program 2023 Cohort unveiling at the sidelines of the 41st International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) on Tuesday.
According to him, the partnership between NCDMB, Schlumberger, and the 3 Universities- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, UNILAG, and Federal University of Petroleum Resources is focused on the development of software plugins by students for diverse oil field applications.
He said, “I am pleased to observe that the students have been exposed to the development of diverse solutions namely, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applications on Fault Interpretation by UNILAG, Automatic Well Correlation with Machine Learning Approach by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun and Application of Artificial Intelligence on Wavelength extraction handled by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi.
He revealed that the key component of this initiative is focused on developing plugins and software to enhance technology in academia.
He also added that the training is part of the NCDMB’s efforts to advance indigenous technology and promote collaboration between industry and academia.
Mr. Sops Ideriah, Group Managing Director, Schlumberger – West Africa, in his speech at the Unveiling of the SLB/NCDMB emphasized that Nigeria needs to increase our Human Resources capabilities.
He stated that the program is designed to enhance leadership, capacity, and technology in academia, with a focus on developing plugins and software.
EnergyDay gathered that the training programme tagged SLB N-STEP Program 2023 Cohort, is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Schlumberger, target those students who are already working, and new entrants, with with aim of promoting indigenous technology advancement and bridging the gap between the oil and gas industry and academia.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, NCDMB, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, in a recent statement obtained by EnergyDay, said the NCDMB’s training was part of the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Road Map, which identifies “Technical Capability Development as a major pillar of success” in the energy industry.
He stated that the NCDMB has a broader mandate to promote research, development, and innovation in the oil and gas industry, adding that the Research & Development Operating framework of the NCDMB seeks to define the agenda for actualizing research, development, and innovation initiatives.
