By David Agba
Abuja
In a desperate effort to build local capacity in the oil and gas industry, the FMC Technologies, in partnership with the Offshore Technology Institute at the University of Port Harcourt (OTI-Uniport), has launched the first ever subsea engineering degree programme offered in Nigeria.
The Master of Science degree in Subsea Engineering was developed by OTI – Uniport in collaboration with FMC Technologies and other industry leaders and prepares students for a career in the oil and gas industry.
Graduate courses will be delivered over a 12-month period from Uniport’s campus in Port Harcourt.
“We are committed to developing our Nigerian workforce and our collaboration with OTI-UNIPORT is one we are passionate about,” said Michael Hunt, FMC Technologies Nigerian Country Manager.
“Developing the next generation of subsea engineers within Nigeria will play a key role in the country’s future within the oil and gas industry.”
Professor John U. Okoli, Director of OTI-Uniport, said, “This is a major milestone, not only for the university but also for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
We are delighted to officially celebrate the launch of this program and look forward to watching our students develop over the years.”
Senior management from FMC Technologies attended the launch event at OTI-Uniports’s campus in Port Harcourt, alongside Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments. Also present were the 16 students who have been through a rigorous selection admission process.
Upon graduation, participants will have expanded opportunities to work in the energy industry, including potential employment with FMC Technologies in Nigeria.
Nigerian employees have received more than 70,000 training hours since 2012, expanding their skills and increasing the number of job functions they can perform.
FMC Technologies has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry for more than 16 years and employs approximately 250 employees in the country. More than 2,000 jobs have been created between the company and its supply chain partners.
FMC Technologies, Inc is a global market leader in subsea systems and a leading provider of technologies and services to the oil and gas industry.
