Bauchi Charts a New Path: N17 Billion Investment Sparks Youth Empowerment in Oil & Gas Sector
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi
A quiet revolution is taking root in Bauchi State — one powered not just by oil, but by vision, investment, and a bold commitment to youth empowerment.
At the heart of this transformation is the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri, where construction has officially begun, following a groundbreaking ceremony led by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
But the real headline? The Federal Government has released N17 billion to Bauchi — not just to explore oil, but to develop the human capital needed to sustain the sector long into the future.
More Than Oil: Investing in People
“This isn’t just about infrastructure,” Governor Bala declared. “It’s about giving our young people the tools to become global professionals — from Kolmani to Kuwait.”
Of the total funds, N6 billion is already being channeled into building the academy — envisioned as a center of excellence for technical and vocational training in oil and gas.
National Partnership, Local Impact
Senator Lokpobiri praised the project, calling it a perfect alignment between President Tinubu’s national energy security agenda and Bauchi’s local development strategy.
“This academy will produce the manpower to drive Kolmani and beyond,” Lokpobiri stated. “This is not just a state project — it’s a national resource.”
The Minister emphasized that the academy’s graduates will be employable across Africa and globally, reflecting Nigeria’s growing reputation as a talent exporter in oil and gas.
A New Bauchi Is Rising
Governor Bala Mohammed also stressed that this project reflects Bauchi’s ambition to be contributors, not dependents, in the Nigerian federation. “We’re building a state that adds value — to the economy, to the federation, and to the future.”
As construction kicks off, one thing is clear: Bauchi is not just sitting on oil — it’s building the future around it.
"N17 Billion Investment.
Groundbreaking Today,
Global Opportunities Tomorrow."