Campus News

UNILORIN seeks expanded partnership with TotalEnergies on U-INSPIRE scheme

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for an enhanced partnership between the institution and TotalEnergies to strengthen and expand the UNILORIN Innovative Skills and Pioneering Entrepreneurship (U-INSPIRE) scheme.

Prof. Egbewole made this appeal last Wednesday (January 29, 2025) while receiving the Processing Geophysicist Manager at TotalEnergies, Dr. Rasaki Salami, a Software Training Expert, who visited him in his office ahead of a training programme for staff and students of the Department of Geophysics.

The Department had in 2024 secured two REVEAL software grants worth $1.137 million. The grants were facilitated by the Head of the Department, Prof.  S. Olatunji, and Dr G. E. Omolaiye, a Senior Research Fellow.

The Vice-Chancellor, who stressed the importance of strengthening industry-academia collaboration to equip students with relevant skills for the workforce, added that the U-INSPIRE initiative was designed to foster industry-academia linkages by exposing students to opportunities in various industries, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, and providing practical learning experiences.

While acknowledging the past contributions of TotalEnergies to the University, particularly to the Department of Geophysics, Prof. Egbewole expressed confidence that the company would partner with the University on this initiative and further enhance the programme.

The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the Processing Geophysicist Manager of TotalEnergies for agreeing to the request of the Department of Geophysics to train its staff and students on the usage of the Reveal Software, a multimillion software grant from Shearwater GeoServices (UK) Ltd in a programme named Shearwater-Harvex University Assistant Programme (SHUAP), won by the Geophysics Department recently.

Prof. Egbewole extended an invitation to TotalEnergies to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the University, scheduled to hold later in the year. He expressed hope that TotalEnergies would support the event and contribute to making it a memorable occasion for the institution.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Baba Alafara, expressed gratitude to the Processing Geophysicist Manager at TotalEnergies, Mr. Salami, for his willingness to volunteer his time and expertise to train staff and students on the effective use of the Reveal Software.

In his remarks, the TotalEnergies official said that as part of its corporate social responsibility, the company actively supports universities by offering training programmes that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry applications.

Recognising that the University of Ilorin had recently acquired the Reveal Software, a tool he has used extensively in his 20 years career, Dr Salami said that he saw an opportunity to contribute by sharing his expertise. He added that his objective was to ensure that Faculty members and students could maximise the software’s potential, thereby enhancing their technical skills and preparing them for careers in the geophysics industry.

While stating the importance of exposing students to industry practices early in their academic journey, the Geophysicist said students gain hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques in many international universities, which make their transition into the workforce smoother. He said  providing a similar exposure at Unilorin, students would have an added advantage in securing industry placements and excelling in their careers.

Dr Salami also reflected on his recent collaboration with Unilorin students on undergraduate projects, describing it as an encouraging experience. He expressed satisfaction with the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn, saying that, it reinforced his belief in the importance of industry-academia engagement.

In an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin on the sidelines of the visit, the Head of the Department of Geophysics, Prof. S. Olatunji, appreciated TotalEnergies and its representative, Dr Salami for the training programme.

Prof. Olatunji facilitated the $1.137 million REVEAL software grants for the University from Harvex Geosolutions Limited, an Exploration and Production (E&P) services company delivering specialised and cutting-edge geological, geophysical, and oilfield services.