A team from IBILE Oil and Gas Corporation (IOGC), on Wednesday, 17th January 2024, visited Lagos State University to discuss the proposal to build a filling station for the retail of Petrol, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) on the University premises and to inspect possible location for the proposed filling station.
The University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU, while receiving the team on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, expressed the Vice Chancellor’s gratitude to the team for finding Lagos State University suitable for the landmark project.
Mr. FANU received the team in his office on the 5th floor of Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO), IOGC, Mr. Tayo Gbajumo, in his remarks, stated that the Corporation was established in 2013 by the Lagos State House of Assembly to ensure energy security in the State and commenced full operations in 2016.
According to him, the Corporation has ten (10) retail filling stations and five (5) gas stations across the State.
Mr. Gbajumo expressed excitement at the prospect of partnering with Lagos State University in building a refueling, conversion and training Centre within the premises of the University which he believes will be beneficial to students and staff of the University, and will increase employment opportunities for residents of the State in line with the vision of the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
While speaking, a former Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State/Project Consultant, Mr. Ladi Lawanson, informed the meeting that the initial plan of the IOGC was to build a petrol station only, but, the Corporation has also decided to build a Centre of Excellence which will serve as a one-stop centre for training with state of the art equipment, adding that the Corporation will collaborate with Lagos State University as a potential technical partner through the Faculty of Engineering to develop a training centre for mechanical and electrical engineering students as well as a centre for the conversion of petrol fuelled vehicles to gas fuelled vehicles.
The Director, Lagos State University Ventures, Prof. Oluwatosin B. Adu, described the proposed project as a laudable one, which will be of immense value to the university, as the training centre will enable students to develop necessary skills needed in their academic pursuit.
After the meeting, the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU led the delegation to two possible locations for the project, which are the Red Gate, by the LAGOS HOMS staff quarters and open space beside the banking arena behind the Lagos State University Bakery.
Other members of the Corporation present at the meeting include Project Consultant, Mr. Siji Lawason, Head, Downstream, IOGC, Mr. Damilola Ajayi, Head, Gas Operations, IOGC, Mr. Seyi Ajomale and Engr. Dare Adeyemi.
Members of staff at the meeting include Director,Works and Physical Planning, Engr. S. O. Kazeem, Chairman, Lagos State University Master Plan Committee, Dr. F. O. Ogundele, Deputy Registrar, Legal Unit, Mrs. Olajumoke O. Boyejo, Principal Assistant Registrar, Lagos State University Ventures, Mr. Patrick Olori, Chief Planning Officer, Physical Planning Unit, Tpl. Gbolahan Bajulaiye, Administrative Officer II, Legal Unit, Mr. Abdulazeez S. Adetola and Administrative Officer II, Registrar’s Office, Mr. Olatunji Salami and members of staff of the Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR).
