Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, port Harcourt recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering, RICCEE, a US$6.2 million research and development initiative promoted jointly by Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
The project is being implemented under NLNG’s Human Capacity Development Plan and forms part of NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme. It is designed to strengthen RSU’s capacity for advanced, industry-relevant research and specialised training.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Mr. Adeleye Falade, represented by Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the centre as more than infrastructure. She said it would serve as a hub for equipping students, lecturers and researchers with tools for practical learning and innovation in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
Dr. Horsfall explained that RICCEE would strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and ensure that research outcomes directly address operational and societal challenges in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors. She added that the project aims to upgrade infrastructure, modern research facilities and industry-aligned training programmes to extend human capital development beyond the classroom.
She further announced that NLNG’s Research and Development Implementation Consultancy would be based at the centre upon completion. According to her, the consultancy will support a robust R&D framework in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 and facilitate commercially viable research with selected tertiary institutions.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the groundbreaking as a significant milestone in the Board’s human capital development objectives. He confirmed NCDMB’s full alignment with NLNG on RICCEE and pledged close collaboration to ensure successful execution.
Engr. Bamidele said the project is part of NCDMB’s Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to build enduring partnerships with universities by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research and practical skills. He challenged the centre to become a hub of discovery, creativity and enterprise where students would innovate and industry would find reliable R&D partners.

The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the occasion as historic. He said RICCEE aligns with the University’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritises academic improvement, research collaboration and entrepreneurship. He disclosed that the project originated from an appeal by Engr. Dr. Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi, former Acting Head of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and announced Dr. Amadi as pioneer Acting Director of RICCEE.

The facility will sit on approximately 9,336 square metres within RSU and comprise a three-storey building of more than 9,000 square metres with 18 specialised laboratories. The labs will cover Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. The building will also feature solar energy provisions, energy-efficient lighting and other sustainable systems. A US$1.2 million Professorial Chair will be established to support advanced research and academic leadership.

Akujobi Amadi