RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Professorial Endowment Chair in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has commenced a four-day Computational Catalysis Workshop aimed at enhancing research capacity and advancing the use of computational tools in catalysis and energy-related studies.
The workshop, led by Professor Abdulazeez Yusuf Attah, brings together academics, researchers, and students from various institutions to explore emerging computational techniques that are reshaping research in catalysis, chemical engineering, and energy transition technologies.
Organisers said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific research and innovation in Nigeria’s energy sector through knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the PTDF, Mrs Rabi’ah Waziri-Adamu, General Manager of the Fund’s Education and Training Department, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting impactful research initiatives and developing high-level expertise through the PTDF Endowment Chair Programme.
She noted that the Fund remains focused on promoting research excellence, human capital development, and innovation capable of addressing challenges within the petroleum and energy industries.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Bello Sabo, emphasised the importance of developing indigenous knowledge and local expertise to drive sustainable national development.
According to him, investments in research and advanced scientific training are essential for achieving technological progress and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy landscape.
The workshop is expected to expose participants to cutting-edge computational methods used in catalyst design, reaction modelling, process optimisation, and energy systems analysis.
Stakeholders at the event described computational catalysis as an increasingly important field in the development of cleaner energy technologies, improved industrial processes, and sustainable chemical production systems.
The initiative highlights PTDF’s continued investment in building the human capital and research capabilities needed to drive innovation, scientific excellence, and long-term growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Endowment Chair Programme is one of the Fund’s strategic interventions designed to promote advanced research, strengthen academic institutions, and support the development of solutions to challenges facing the petroleum and energy industries.
