ACE-CEFOR Marks 10th Anniversary with Grand Celebration at the University of Port Harcourt
The Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR) at the University of Port Harcourt celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 4th of April, 2025. The milestone event brought together esteemed dignitaries, academic leaders, industry partners, and students, marking a decade of groundbreaking research and transformative impact in Africa’s oil and gas sector.
A Decade of Research and Innovation
The journey of ACE-CEFOR began in 2013 when the University of Port Harcourt, under the leadership of the 7th Vice Chancellor, Prof. J. A. Ajienka, recognized a significant gap in the oil and gas sector. Although Nigeria is rich in natural resources, oilfield chemicals were largely imported due to a lack of focused research and local innovation. In response, the University established ACE-CEFOR as a dedicated research hub with clear objectives to:
- Promote homegrown and regional research networks that develop human capital in Africa.
- Strengthen human capacity by serving as a training hub for the oil and gas industry workforce.
- Fill gaps in the oil and gas industry and its related labor market.
- Increase the capabilities of faculties and students through quality postgraduate education, knowledge transfer, and internship programs.
- Run professional short courses in oil and gas and its related disciplines.
This initiative was made possible through the World Bank’s Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project, which fostered regional specialization across West and Central Africa. Over the past decade, ACE-CEFOR has built a reputation for excellence in research, capacity building, and industry partnerships, significantly contributing to local industrial development, job creation, and new knowledge generation.
Research Focus
ACE-CEFOR’s research endeavors are strategically focused on key areas critical to Nigeria and Africa’s development:
- Oilfield Chemicals Research:
- Development of green and bio-based oilfield chemicals that support a healthy climate.
- Creation of specialized remediation procedures and protocols—including bioremediation, phytoremediation, and myco-remediation—for restoring impacted oilfield sites in the Niger Delta.
- Energy Efficiency Research:
- Optimization of existing process technologies to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impacts.
Acknowledgment from the Vice Chancellor
In his address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill highlighted the far-reaching impact of ACE-CEFOR. He recounted the Centre’s significant contributions in capacity development and training—not only for students but also for industry professionals through various workshops, technical sessions, and field applications. Emphasizing that ACE-CEFOR serves as more than just an institution of learning, he described it as a transformational platform driving both national and continental development. According to him, “In a rapidly evolving world where energy is the backbone of industrialization, economic growth, and sustainable development—especially for a country like Nigeria—the role of ACE-CEFOR cannot be overstated.”
Honoring Pioneers and Key Contributors
The celebration also paid tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Centre’s success:
- Prof. Joseph Ajienka, 7th Vice Chancellor, whose vision was critical in securing the Centre’s initial grant.
- Emeritus Prof. Bene W. Abbey, 1st Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Development), along with other early leaders who played key roles in the grant writing and defense stages.
- Prof. Ndowa E. S. Lale, 8th Vice Chancellor and 2nd Steering Committee Chairman, for his continued support in transitioning from ACE I to ACE Impact.
- The event also honored the memory of Dr. Chikwendu Ebenezer Ubani, the Centre’s first Safeguards Officer and a respected member of the Steering Committee, who passed away in November 2020.
Keynote Lecture Highlight
A highlight of the day was the keynote lecture titled “Benefits of World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence: The ACE-CEFOR Experience.” While Prof. Joseph Ajienka originally prepared to deliver the lecture, he was represented by Prof. I. M. Siminialayi. Prof. Siminialayi’s presentation delved into the Centre’s role in fostering innovative research and sustainable development, reinforcing its significance in driving the growth of Africa’s oilfield chemicals research.
Looking Ahead
As ACE-CEFOR commemorates a decade of excellence, the Centre remains committed to pushing the boundaries of research and innovation. With a firm foundation in capacity building and industry collaboration, ACE-CEFOR is set to continue playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s and Africa’s development trajectory.
