No fewer than 850 world-class technicians have graduated from the NNPC/Seplat JV training centre in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state in the past 30 years.
The last batch of forty-nine technicians in the G13 class graduated from the Centre in the areas of Applied Instrumentation and Controls Technology, Applied Electrical Maintenance and Technology, Applied Oil and Gas Technology and Applied Mechanical Maintenance Technology.
This took place on Tuesday as the centre celebrated 30 Years of Technical Training Excellence and 2 Million Incident-Free Offshore Man-Hours without a single recordable incident in its offshore operations.
The commemorative event, themed “From Roots to Results – Three Decades of Growth,” brought together industry leaders, community partners, government representatives, and families of the graduating apprentices.
In his keynote address, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, represented by Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operations Officer, Seplat Energy Plc welcomed guests and emphasized the significance of the moment.
He described the ceremony as “a celebration of a journey that began thirty years ago and has evolved into something exceptional,” maintaining that the theme of the event, “From Roots to Results – Three Decades of Growth,” perfectly reflects the transformational path that the TTC has traveled since its establishment.
Brown said that the TTC founded three decades ago was created with a visionary purpose “to build a world-class pipeline of indigenous technicians equipped to compete globally and to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial and energy development. “
He said, “TTC was built on a bold belief, abelief that developing local talent would strengthen operational excellence and shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape. Those were our roots — and today, the results speak for themselves.”
He said that the achievements of the centre underscored the enduring impact its impact across the industry, including more than 850 technicians trained since inception, many of whom now hold leadership positions both within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, “TTC’s distinction as the world’s first City & Guilds Centre of Excellence is an infallible proof of the centre’s global reputation for high standards and rigorous training.
Addressing the graduands directly, the Brown congratulated them on achieving an important step in their professional journey. “This moment belongs to you. You have earned it through dedication and discipline. You are entering a world that is dynamic and competitive, but you are ready, equipped not only with technical expertise, but with the mindset and values that define excellence,” he said.
John Itsueli, General Manger, JV Operations, highlighted the TTC’s “humble beginning in a small office at the Qua Iboe Terminal”, and its growth into a world class institution, which now sees it “proudly recognnised as the first City and Guilds Centre of Excellence globally.”
He commended “the trainers, assessors, administrators and support teams whose tireless efforts have named these achievements possible.”
On his part, Goodluck Enimedoukienoniso, Best Graduating Student of the G13, expressed gratitude to all who made their journey possible to this point.
He described his position as an honour and privilege because of the standard set by those who graduated from the TCC before them.
Paying tribute to former students, he assured that the G13 would be building on the globally high standards the TCC has become famous for.
He said, “thank you for the foundation you laid. We will build on it. These past two years have changed us. We came here as eager trainees but stand here today as professionals; professionals forged by challenges.”
He assured that the G13 is ready to carry on, to join the workforce and make great impact because “We have been constructed, conscripted, pressure tested, culture tested and, dare I say, carved for purpose.”
In his closing remarks, Oladotun Isiaka, Managing Director, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, expressed delight at the growth and impact the TCC has made in the industry over the years, and expressed optimism that the G13 would be no exception.
