OAU Applauds Alumnus, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe over Nigeria’s First LPG Extraction, Gas-to-Power Project

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is yet, again, brimming with pride and jubilation as it celebrates the extraordinary feat of its illustrious alumnus, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, who has successfully launched Nigeria’s pioneering LPG extraction plant and gas-to-power project.

Unveiled recently in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, this transformative initiative, spearheaded by Professor Adegbulugbe through First Otakikpo Midstream Limited, showcases his exceptional legacy as a trailblazer in innovation and a beacon of excellence nurtured by OAU.

Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe, a distinguished 1976 graduate of the University, now a Professor of Energy Planning and Management, holds the unique honor of being the first alumnus to receive the University’s Award for Excellence in Research Practice in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to research. His remarkable journey was further celebrated by the University when he was conferred with an honorary degree during the 48th Convocation held in December 2024. This latest achievement amplifies the University’s pride, projecting the caliber of visionaries produced by its hallowed halls.

The groundbreaking project boasts a 12 Million Standard Cubic Feet (mmscf) LPG Extraction Plant and a 20 Mega Watts Gas-to-Power Plant, heralding a new era in Nigeria’s energy landscape. By harnessing associated gas to produce propane, butane, and condensate, this initiative aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a gas-powered economy. Its benefits are manifold: eliminating gas flaring, uplifting the lives of local communities, generating employment, fortifying energy security, and fueling economic vitality. The surplus power generated will also energize local industries and households, extending its positive ripple effect across Rivers State and beyond.

Commenting on the development on behalf of the entire University community, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire beamed with pride as he extended warm congratulations to Professor Adegbulugbe. “This is a moment of immense joy for Obafemi Awolowo University,” he declared. “Professor Adegbulugbe’s stellar accomplishment not only elevates Nigeria’s energy sector but also shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent fostered in the University. We salute his dedication and ingenuity, and we pray that divine blessings continue to crown his efforts and this monumental investment.”

Professor Bamire enthused: “This milestone resonates deeply with OAU, opening avenues for collaboration in research, development, and training across disciplines such as engineering, energy studies, and environmental sustainability—fields where the University excels. The project’s alignment with national goals, as acknowledged by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for boosting domestic gas utilization and curbing reliance on imported LPG, further amplifies its significance.”

According to the Vice-Chancellor, “Professor Adegbulugbe’s triumph is more than a national achievement—it is an affirmation of our University’s enduring commitment to shaping leaders who transform society. His journey from the classrooms of Ile-Ife to the forefront of Nigeria’s energy revolution would inspire current students and alumni alike, reinforcing the University’s role as a cradle of innovation and progress.”

The Vice-Chancellor further asserted that “as we bask in the glow of this celebratory moment, the University community looks forward to deepening ties with Professor Adegbulugbe’s visionary enterprise. Together, we aim to explore new frontiers in sustainable energy, ensuring that OAU remains a vital partner in Nigeria’s march toward prosperity. Congratulations once again to Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe—an alumnus whose brilliance continues to illuminate the path for generations to come.”

ALUMNINEWS