The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Professorial Chair, funded by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is spearheading innovative research into the development of zeolite-based catalysts using indigenous materials, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has revealed.
Speaking at a close-out seminar held at the ACENPEE Conference Hall, Prof. Ahmed highlighted the chair’s transformational work since its establishment in 2003. He noted that ABU’s research team had successfully converted local raw materials into advanced zeolite catalysts, marking a significant leap in Nigeria’s pursuit of homegrown technological solutions in petroleum refining.
“This work is not just academic; it is a practical, innovative leap toward building a robust local value chain in catalyst manufacturing,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the university’s researchers had tailored advanced zeolite types for local refining environments. Among the breakthroughs was the piloting of formulations for both Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) and Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) catalysts, specifically designed to manage challenging feedstocks typically encountered in Nigerian refineries.
“We have shown that by modifying zeolites—for instance, through boron incorporation—we can significantly mitigate catalyst deactivation caused by metal contaminants like nickel. This has long been a major obstacle in processing heavy residues,” he explained.
Professor Ahmed also confirmed that the university had moved beyond theory by securing intellectual property rights, laying the foundation for possible industrial-scale production of the catalysts.
Representing the Petroleum Technology Development Fund at the seminar, Deputy General Manager of Education and Training, Muhammad Bello Mustapha, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to indigenous innovation.
“The PTDF has always been driven by a mission to promote indigenous competence, research excellence, and technological advancement in Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” Mustapha said on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu.
He added that the outcomes of the Professorial Chair’s work had generated “homegrown insight that is not only academically rigorous but also industrially achievable.”
Beyond the technical achievements, Mustapha underscored PTDF’s broader mandate in human capacity development and commended the principal investigator, Prof. Baba El-Yakubu, for his leadership and dedication throughout his tenure.
“The quality of work presented reflects a deep sense of responsibility and passion for knowledge advancement,” he added, also extending appreciation to the entire research team and the university for their partnership.
Also speaking at the event, former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, said the PTDF chair remained close to his heart. He called on government agencies, academic institutions, and the oil and gas industry to collaborate in commercialising patents and driving Nigeria towards technological independence.
In his closing remarks, the newly appointed occupant of the ABU-PTDF Professorial Chair, Prof. Abdulazeez Yusuf Atta, expressed appreciation to PTDF for its continued support and investment in the university’s research on zeolites.
