Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the Nigerian Government’s effort to build its labour force in the oil & gas industry. This effort has often been compromised by the shortage of well-trained engineers and technically skilled oil & gas sector workers. Numerous studies have shown that quality higher education is a prerequisite to advancing employment in Nigeria’s gradually evolving job market. While Nigerians with university degrees without skills have difficulty entering the job market, those with acquired practical knowledge and skills stand better chances. Thus,  transferrable skills are still the fact that makes the difference. 

Through a project entitled “Capacity Building in Nigeria's Oil & Gas Industry”, which is implemented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), seven Nigerian students are given the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree at Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), a leading university in Azerbaijan.     

In four years, students will gain theoretical knowledge, acquire practical skills and, upon successful completion of a program of study, will be awarded a Diploma by BHOS. Additionally, students undergo an internship and earn work experience in transnational and international energy companies as well as all SOCAR’s affiliates and enterprises, enabling graduates to become world-class specialists.