The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, in partnership with Cypher Crescent Limited, has unveiled the Catch the Researchers Young, CRY, Programme, a new initiative that will provide 500 Nigerian undergraduates with advanced digital research and technology skills.
The programme, inaugurated during a virtual ceremony on Monday, is designed to strengthen the research capabilities of young Nigerians by exposing them to modern digital tools and emerging technologies that support innovation, problem-solving and workforce development, particularly in the energy sector.
Speaking through the Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board said the initiative reflects its commitment to developing a new generation of researchers and innovators. The statement was issued by the Corporate Communications Unit of the NCDMB.
Halilu explained that the programme supports the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, especially its focus on technical capability and human capital development.
He noted that equipping students with digital research competencies would help create a highly skilled workforce capable of driving technological innovation and supporting Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, stressing that the knowledge and practical experience gained would position them to contribute meaningfully to national development and the growth of indigenous capacity.
In his keynote address, the Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Ajemijaye, described the programme as a strategic collaboration involving NCDMB, Cypher Crescent Limited and industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between academic research and practical technological application within Nigerian universities.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest strength lies not only in its natural resources but also in the creativity, intelligence and innovative potential of its young people.
He encouraged participants to remain inquisitive, embrace collaboration and develop practical solutions capable of addressing challenges across the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the petroleum industry.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cypher Crescent Limited, Engr. ThankGod Igbe, commended the partnership and described the initiative as one that aligns with his personal experience of how industry exposure can shape careers.
He praised NCDMB for its consistent investment in youth-focused capacity development programmes and expressed confidence that the training would provide participants with practical knowledge, valuable industry exposure and the skills needed to excel in research, technology and the energy industry.
“As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of our young people, combined with the opportunities created through this programme, will make it a resounding success,” Igbe said.
The three-month virtual training will cover six core areas: research methodology, digital transformation, business processes and digitisation, cloud technology, data analytics, and digital research tools.
The launch attracted officials of NCDMB, representatives of Cypher Crescent Limited, facilitators and the 500 undergraduate beneficiaries selected for the intensive capacity-building programme.
The CRY Programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem by nurturing indigenous talent and producing a new generation of digitally skilled professionals equipped to drive innovation, technological advancement and sustainable growth across the country’s energy sector.
