PhD, R.Eng., MNSE, MNSChE, M-AEIAN
Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt
Director, NLNG Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemicals
Professor Akuma A. Oji is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt and Director of the NLNG Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemicals. He is a registered professional engineer, researcher, industry consultant and academic with more than two decades of experience in engineering practice, university teaching, research and professional training. His work covers several areas of the energy and process industries, with particular interests in gas monetisation, petroleum refining, drilling and well completion, process control, energy management and sustainable energy development.
Academic Background and University Career
Professor Oji obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He subsequently earned a Master of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering in 2002 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the same discipline in 2016 from the University of Port Harcourt.
He joined the University of Port Harcourt in March 2008 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Through successive academic appointments, he became Lecturer I in 2012, Senior Lecturer in 2017 and Reader in 2021 before attaining the rank of Professor in October 2024. Between 2018 and 2020, he also served as Acting Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Since 2022, Professor Oji has served as Director of the Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemicals. In this capacity, he contributes to the Centre’s work in professional development, technical training, research and capacity building for the energy and process industries.
Industry Experience and Consultancy
Before joining the university, Professor Oji worked with Hyundai Heavy Industries (Nigeria) Limited in Warri as a Senior Project Engineer from 2002 to 2008. During this period, he participated in the Escravos Gas Project, contributing to engineering coordination, technical project delivery, inspection activities and site construction. His responsibilities also included aspects of Nigerian Local Content implementation.
His professional experience extends beyond his university appointment. Through consultancy engagements, he has contributed to engineering assessments, facility audits, feasibility studies, environmental assessments and technical training for organisations operating in the oil and gas sector.
Between 2007 and 2024, he served as Consultant Team Lead at Tidalflow Nigeria Limited, where he coordinated facility audits, gas data collection and monitoring, as well as baseline and environmental impact assessment studies across more than 40 facilities. These assignments involved clients such as Dozzy Oil and Gas, Conoil Producing, Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Pan Ocean Oil Company and Energia Limited.
His more recent consultancy activities have included concept and feasibility studies for a proposed methanol and urea plant in Nigeria, project management support for the development of a specialty chemicals plant, and technical training in drilling operations and control valve engineering. He has also undertaken assignments in mud logging data analysis and oil and gas operations training.
Research, Teaching and Professional Development
Professor Oji’s academic and research interests span petroleum and chemical engineering processes, process instrumentation, process safety, chemical well instability, cementing additives, crude oil analysis, process modelling and renewable energy. His technical experience also includes Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) interpretation, Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), well development studies, drilling and well completion, and tank farm operations.
He has authored more than 65 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. His commitment to academic development is also reflected in his supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students, including candidates pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
In addition to his university responsibilities, Professor Oji has facilitated technical programmes through institutions and professional development platforms, including the World Bank Centre of Excellence for Oilfield Chemical Research (ACE-CEFOR), the Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Engineering, and the Offshore Technology Institute at the University of Port Harcourt. He has also coordinated and delivered training and consultancy services in refining, energy, drilling and well completion, and control valve engineering for organisations across the energy sector.
His professional experience extends beyond his university appointment. Through consultancy engagements, he has contributed to engineering assessments, facility audits, feasibility studies, environmental assessments and technical training for organisations operating in the oil and gas sector.
Between 2007 and 2024, he served as Consultant Team Lead at Tidalflow Nigeria Limited, where he coordinated facility audits, gas data collection and monitoring, as well as baseline and environmental impact assessment studies across more than 40 facilities. These assignments involved clients such as Dozzy Oil and Gas, Conoil Producing, Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Pan Ocean Oil Company and Energia Limited.
His more recent consultancy activities have included concept and feasibility studies for a proposed methanol and urea plant in Nigeria, project management support for the development of a specialty chemicals plant, and technical training in drilling operations and control valve engineering. He has also undertaken assignments in mud logging data analysis and oil and gas operations training.
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
Professor Oji is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and belongs to several professional organisations. His professional affiliations include the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) and the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP).
Through his combined experience in academia, engineering practice, consultancy and professional training, Professor Oji continues to contribute to the development of technical expertise and human capacity within Nigeria’s oil, gas, refining and petrochemical industries.