Mkpoikana Udoma
30 October 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — As part of its initiatives to build local capacities, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has donated an ultramodern Econometrics Laboratory to the Department of Economics, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State.
The laboratory, according to the board, is equipped with state of the art computers, modern economics software, projectors, printers, photocopiers and is powered by a 30KVA generating set with a backup 10KVA inverter to ensure stable and constant power supply.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, said the project which was initiated and completed by the board, was part of its efforts to close existing gaps in the Nigerian educational system.
Waboted, represented by the Supervisor, Capacity Building Division, Mr. Timbiri Augustine, urged the university to ensure effective use of the laboratory and assured that the Board would continue to collaborate with institutions of higher learnings in Nigeria to boost the standards of learning.
According to him, “The laboratory will enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the Department of Economics and impact positively on the graduates.
“The mandate of the board is to build human and material capacities and capabilities, as well as ensure the utilization of local facilities, technology as well as goods and services in the operation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.”
Also, the Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, commended the board for donating the laboratory, which according to him, would enhance the value of the graduates and lecturers.
Edoumiekumo, however, appealed to the management of NCDMB to establish a Centre of Excellence for research and development in the school’s faculty of Engineering, in order to upscale the capacities of young Nigerians with skills required in the oil and gas sector.
