Prof. George Magoha, Vice-Chancellor, UoN presents a gift to Doyin Akinyanju, Schlumberger’s Country Manager.

The initiative has been possible following a partnership agreement between the University and Schlumberger Oilfield Limited. Tullow Oil will provide computer infrastructure and furnish the laboratories.

The two laboratories will be in the School of Physical Sciences, Departments of Chemistry and Geology respectively. The E&P laboratory will be used for research and training by faculty in the petroleum exploration and drilling technologies, while the Cement Laboratory will be used to support Schlumberger’s core objectives as well as research and training of students and faculty in the department. A site for the construction of a block comprising the laboratories and offices has been identified in the College. Faculty and alumni support programmes will also be put in place.

According to Doyin Akinyanju, Schlumberger’s Country Manager for Kenya and Ethiopia, the company has always been keen on fostering relationships with universities in the countries they operate in. The company partners with key universities to establish state of the art laboratories for purposes of teaching and research, to service and provide manpower for the highly specialized oil and petroleum exploration and drilling industry. To date, Schlumberger has partnered with over 100 universities in 80 countries.

In a meeting with representatives from Schlumberger, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha, said that the University was ready to work towards implementing the terms of the partnership. He lauded the importance of establishing linkages with the industry and noted that the partnership was timely especially for research and training in the emerging oil and gas exploration. The initiative will not only improve the University’s premier position in the region but also increase the realization of the economic pillar of the Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Prof. Lucy Irungu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Production and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda, Principal, CBPS, Prof. Lydia Njenga, Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof, Simon Mitema, Director, Centre for International Programmes and Linkages, Dr. Okeyo Amir Yusuf, Chairman, Department of Chemistry and Dr. Christopher M. Nyamai, Chairman, Department of Geology, were present during the meeting.