ABU-PTDF Professorial Chair at forefront of pioneering research into zeolite-based catalysts – Vice-Chancellor
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Professorial Chair at Ahmadu Bello University is at the forefront of pioneering research into zeolite-based catalysts using indigenous resources, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has asserted.
Prof. Ahmed, who spoke at the close-out seminar organised by the ABU-PTDF chair at ABU ACENPEE Conference Hall today (Thursday, 3rd July, 2025), said the institution research team had indigenously transformed local materials into advanced zeolite catalysts since the establishment of the chair in 2003.
“This work is not just academic, it is a practical innovative leap toward building a robust local value chain in catalyst manufacturing”, he said.
He said that the institution’s research had demonstrated successful synthesis of advanced zeolite types tailored for local refining conditions.
“More impressively, we have developed and piloted formulations for both Fluid Catalystic Cracking (FCC) and Refinery Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) Catalysts capable of handling challenging feedstocks typical of our refineries.
“We have shown that by modifying zeolites, for instance, through boron incorporation, we can significantly mitigate catalyst deactivation from metal contaminants such as nickel – a longstanding obstacle in heavy residue processing”, he said.
Prof. Ahmed maintained that the university moved beyond theory into practice as it had secured intellectual property rights that were actively laying the ground work for industrial-scale production.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ahmed Galadima Aminu, mentioned that PTDF mission had always been centered on the promotion of indigenous competence, research excellence and technological advancement in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Represented by Muhammad Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager, Education and Training, PTDF, the Executive Secretary further stated that by partnering with leading academic institutions through initiatives such as this, PTDF would not only invest in knowledge creation but also invest in our future.
He also said the in-depth research undertaken under the professorial chair had undoubtedly expanded the understanding of these mechanisms that generated homegrown insight that are not just academically rigorous but also industrially achievable.
Galadima pointed out the core mandates of the PTDF that included human capacity development, beyond the technical findings.
He then commended Prof. Baba El-Yakubu’s commitment, academic excellence and focus throughout his tenure, adding that the quality of work presented reflected a deep sense of responsibility and passion for knowledge advancement.
The Executive Secretary also congratulated the entire research team for their dedication and contribution as well as the university for being a worthy partner in this endeavor.
In a goodwill message, the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, said that the chair was close to his heart, and urged researchers, government and industry to work together to catalyze a new era of technological independence.
Garba also called on stakeholders, government agencies, oil and gas operations to join academia and commercialize patents.
In his closing remarks, the newly appointed Occupant of the ABU – PTDF Professorial Chair, Prof Abdulazeez Yusuf Atta, expressed the university’s immense gratitude to PTDF for strongly supporting the research efforts on zeolites.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
(NAM)
3rd July, 2025
