Bauchi to establish oil, gas academy in Alkaleri: Governor Mohammad leads development efforts

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By Sani Adamu Musa, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Executive Council has ratified a groundbreaking decision that underscores Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammad’s commitment to advancing educational and economic opportunities within the state.

The Council’s approval, now officially set in motion, will lead to the construction of the Bauchi Oil & Gas Academy in Alkaleri.

This ambitious project promises to position Bauchi as a significant player in Nigeria’s burgeoning oil and gas industry, building a highly skilled local workforce capable of meeting national and international industry demands.

In a press briefing, Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello, shared detailed plans for the academy, which will feature comprehensive facilities.

The sprawling campus will include essential structures such as a perimeter fence, gatehouse, administrative block, and a dedicated academic building. Additional features include classrooms, a twin lecture theater, ICT centers, advanced laboratories, a library, hostels, staff quarters, and a large auditorium.

Each facility is strategically planned to create a conducive learning environment and provide students with state-of-the-art training resources.

“The academy is set to be built at its permanent site in Alkaleri, where recent oil and gas discoveries have signaled a new era of potential prosperity for the state,” said Commissioner Bello.

He explained that AYAB Construction Company Ltd has been awarded the contract, with construction slated to begin this November.

Governor Mohammad’s initiative to establish the Oil & Gas Academy aligns with the broader vision to ensure Bauchi’s residents benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the Kolmani Project.

By establishing this institution, the Governor aims to prepare a generation of young professionals with the skills and certifications necessary to secure lucrative careers in oil and gas—a sector traditionally dominated by professionals from other regions of Nigeria.

“The academy will be crucial in training our youth, equipping them with specialized skills in oil and gas-related fields, and empowering them to take on leading roles in the industry,” Commissioner Bello emphasized.

The institution is designed to offer skill acquisition and professional certification programs that will allow Bauchi’s citizens to become valuable contributors to Nigeria’s energy sector, bringing expertise directly from Bauchi State into the national workforce.

In another notable development, the Executive Council approved a change in the name of the state’s natural resources ministry to the “Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources and Development.”

According to Bello, this rebranding is strategic, as it reflects the ministry’s broader mandate to not only manage natural resources but also foster sustainable development that attracts national and international investors.

This move, spearheaded by Governor Mohammad, is expected to open doors to enhanced economic collaborations and partnerships, further positioning Bauchi as a hub for innovation and industrial growth.

Governor Mohammad’s administration has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, positioning Bauchi State as a key destination for economic development in Northern Nigeria.

By investing in education and workforce development tailored to the oil and gas sector, the Governor is ensuring that the people of Bauchi are not just bystanders but active participants in the unfolding economic opportunities.

The construction of the Bauchi Oil & Gas Academy is a testament to Governor Mohammad’s dedication to building a prosperous future for the state, reinforcing his commitment to development and creating a legacy that will empower generations to come.