By Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has launched a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize youth empowerment and skill acquisition with the establishment of the Bauchi Oil & Gas Academy in Alkaleri. This state-of-the-art institution aims to position Nigerian youth as global players in the oil and gas industry.
Announcing the project on behalf of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, the State’s Commissioner of Natural Resources and Development, Hon Muhammad Maiwada described the academy as a transformative investment in education and job creation. The institution will offer internationally recognized certifications, ensuring its graduates can secure competitive roles in Nigeria’s energy sector and beyond.
According to Maiwada Bello, the e academy’s curriculum will cover critical areas such as drilling technology, petroleum engineering, safety management, and equipment operation. Facilities will include advanced classrooms, laboratories, an ICT center, and specialized training equipment, alongside residential hostels, staff quarters, and a multipurpose auditorium.
The commissioner said, construction is set to begin in November, with AYAB Construction Company Ltd handling the project.
The academy is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, benefiting educators, support staff, and local businesses in the surrounding communities.
“This academy is not just for Bauchi State—it is a national asset,” the spokesperson emphasized. “It will equip Nigerian youth with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in the competitive global energy sector, driving economic growth and transforming lives”, Bello added.
The academy’s launch coincides with the rebranding of the Ministry of Solid Minerals to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Development, reflecting the government’s focus on sustainable growth and effective resource management.
The Alkaleri community, led by the District Head, Yariman Bauchi, was praised for its support, which has been instrumental in the project’s realization.
The Bauchi Oil & Gas Academy is set to redefine career pathways for Nigerian youth, fostering financial independence and positioning them as leaders in one of the world’s most lucrative industries.