The GNPC Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Commerce at the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies, University of Cape Coast, in collaboration with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has held the 7th Oil and Gas Public Lecture Series and Awards Ceremony at the School of Medical Science Auditorium during which eight postgraduate students were awarded.

The post graduate students who took part in the GNPC Academic Enrichment Programme were from the School of Economics, School of Business and the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies all in the University of Cape Coast, underwent a nine- month intensive Academic Enrichment Programme in Petroleum and Energy Studies sponsored by GNPC under the auspices of its sustainability and External Relations Division. The Enrichment Programme is a precursor to approved post graduate programme in Petroleum and Energy Studies at the Institute of Oil and Gas Studies.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in his address, commended the GNPC for collaborating with the University for the construction of a building complex worth five million US dollars. He indicated that upon completion, the building will host offices of the Faculty of Law, the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies, and the Chair of the Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Commerce.

The main speaker Prof. Emeritus Omowumi O. Iledare, delivered a lecture on the topic of “The Dawn of Global Energy Systems Transformation: Strategic Thinking and Transitioning Options”. He emphasized on the importance of strategic transitioning which would involve the combined use of renewable energy and fossil fuels to ensure energy security and equity as well as environmental sustainability in the African continent.