The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Cypher Crescent Limited, has officially launched the Catch the Researchers Young (CRY) Programme, an initiative designed to equip 500 Nigerian undergraduates with cutting-edge digital research skills and emerging technological competencies.
The virtual kickoff ceremony, held on 29 June 2026, marked the commencement of a transformative capacity building programme aimed at preparing young Nigerians to leverage digital tools for research, innovation, and problem solving within the nation’s evolving energy sector and beyond.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, welcomed participants to the inaugural ceremony and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to developing the next generation of Nigerian researchers, innovators, and technology professionals.
Dr. Halilu noted that the programme aligns with the NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, particularly its pillars on Technical Capability Development and Human Capacity Development. According to him, investing in digital research skills for young Nigerians reflects the Board’s vision of building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies and empowering Nigerian youths, Dr. Halilu encouraged participants to take full advantage of the unique learning opportunity. He officially declared the programme open and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired would position participants to make meaningful contributions to national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Ag. Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Ajemijaye, described the Catch the Researchers Young (CRYP) Programme as a strategic collaboration between NCDMB, Cypher Crescent Limited, and industry stakeholders aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and practical technological application within Nigeria’s university system.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest asset is not merely its abundant natural resources but the intelligence, creativity, and innovative potential of its young people. He challenged participants to remain curious, embrace collaboration, and develop practical solutions capable of addressing challenges across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the petroleum industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cypher Crescent Limited, Engr. ThankGod Igbe, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a programme that resonates deeply with his personal and professional journey. He recalled how opportunities for industrial training played a significant role in shaping his career and commended NCDMB for consistently investing in programmes that build the capacity of young Nigerians.
Engr. Igbe expressed confidence that the collaboration between NCDMB and Cypher Crescent would provide participants with an enabling platform to harness their creativity, innovation, and passion for research. He noted that the programme would expose participants to practical knowledge and valuable industry experiences that would prepare them for future careers in research, technology, and the energy sector.
“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. We look forward to the knowledge, skills, and experiences participants will acquire throughout the training,” he said.
The training programme features six comprehensive learning modules carefully designed to equip participants with industry-relevant digital competencies. These include:
- Research Methodology
- Digital Transformation
- Business Processes and Digitization
- Cloud Technology
- Data Analytics
- Digital Research Tools
The virtual launch ceremony attracted officials of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, representatives of Cypher Crescent Limited, facilitators, and the 500 undergraduate participants who are expected to undergo intensive three (3) month training throughout the programme.
The Catch the Researchers Young (CRYP) Programme represents another significant milestone in NCDMB’s commitment to nurturing indigenous talent, strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem, and preparing a new generation of digitally skilled professionals capable of driving innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable growth in the country’s energy industry.
