Welcome to the Centre for Petroleum and Energy Resource Economics (CPERE), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

The Centre for Petroleum and Energy Resource Economics (CPERE) at the University of Abuja is a leading research hub dedicated to addressing critical challenges in the petroleum, oil, and gas sector in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. As the global energy landscape evolves, CPERE stands at the forefront of research, innovation, and capacity development to navigate the complexities of oil price crises, volatility, and uncertainty.

With a focus on excellence in research and practical solutions, CPERE serves as a beacon of knowledge and collaboration for energy professionals, academics, and policymakers. Supported by the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, our state-of-the-art office complex is currently under construction in Jahi District, Abuja, providing a dedicated space for ground breaking research and impactful collaborations.

Our Mission

• To provide top-tier educational programmes that equip students, professionals, and policymakers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and innovate in the energy sector.

• To serve as a hub for policy dialogue and advocacy, influencing national and international energy policies through evidence-based research and strategic global partnerships.

• To be a bridge between academia and the energy industry, driving innovation and economic development.

• To provide the necessary skills that would help the national grassroots enterprises to benefit directly from Nigeria’s Petroleum and Energy Resource.

Our Vision

• To expand the understanding of petroleum and energy resource economics through rigorous research, innovative education, and impactful policy engagement, contributing to sustainable energy development and economic prosperity. 

• To conduct cutting-edge research on energy resources, transition energy, clean and green growth.

• To optimally regulate management of the natural resources of the country, and

• To nurture graduates with exemplary character and sharp intellect.

Core Value

Empowering tomorrow’s energy leaders, today.

About CPERE

The Centre for Petroleum and Energy Resource Economics (CPERE) was founded by Dr. Rasheed Olajide Alao, a visionary academic and seasoned expert in the petroleum and energy economics in the Department of Economics, University of Abuja. With a distinguished career marked by innovation and scholarship, Dr. Alao established CPERE to address the critical need for rigorous research and informed policy development in the energy sector, both within Nigeria and globally. As the Centre’s pioneer, Acting Director, he has charted a forward-looking agenda that positions CPERE as a key player in shaping contemporary energy discourse at local and international levels.

The proposal for the establishment of the Centre, initiated by Dr. Rasheed Olajide Alao, underwent rigorous review through multiple stages. It was first scrutinized by the Committee of Provosts, Deans, and Directors (CPDD) of the University of Abuja and subsequently refined through the input of various subcommittees within the CPDD. Following this comprehensive evaluation and refinement process, the proposal was ultimately recommended for the university Senate approval.

Conceived for research, training, and policy engagement in petroleum and energy economics, governance, and regulatory frameworks, CPERE was formally established on June 24, 2024, by the approval of Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, then Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja. This foundational step reflected the University’s broader strategic vision of fostering academic excellence and sector-specific capacity building.

Following its institutional founding, the Centre received University of Abuja Senate approval for operational take-off on December 18, 2024, under the administration of Professor Aisha Sanni Maikudi, former (Acting) Vice Chancellor of the University, marking a significant advancement in the University’s commitment to leadership in energy research and evidence-based policymaking. CPERE became fully operational on February 15, 2025, during the administration of Professor Patricia Manko Lar, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja.

As a postgraduate, interdisciplinary Centre, CPERE brings together resource persons, scholars and practitioners across a range of faculties, including Social Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Agriculture. Its structure promotes cross-cutting research, capacity development, and practical engagement with real-world energy challenges.

In further pursuit of academic excellence and international collaboration, CPERE has also launched the International Journal of Energy Economics (IJEE). This peer-reviewed journal provides a scholarly platform for students and staff of the Centre, as well as researchers and policy analysts from around the world, to publish cutting-edge research on energy economics, policy, and governance.

Through its dynamic research agenda, robust academic programming, and global partnerships, CPERE is poised to become a leading voice in shaping the future of energy scholarship and policy.

What We Offer

• Cutting-edge research on energy economics, policy, and sustainability.

• Advanced postgraduate programs in petroleum and energy economics.

• Workshops, seminars, and conferences on topical energy issues.

• Collaboration opportunities with industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions.

Our Programmes, Specialties and Research Themes

Programmes: 1. Doctorates in Energy Economics

                       2. Professional Masters in Energy Economics

                       3. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Energy Economics

CPERE focuses on six core specialities 

1. Energy and the Environment

2. Energy Policy, Governance, and Innovation

3. Renewable Energy

4. International Oil and Gas Management

5. Electricity Economics

6. Energy Finance

Research Themes

1. Energy and the Environment

• Exploring the intersection of energy production and environmental sustainability.

• Addressing the impact of energy activities on climate change and biodiversity.

• Promoting sustainable energy practices and solutions.

2. Energy Policy, Governance, and Innovation

• Developing policies to ensure energy security and sustainability.

• Examining governance structures and frameworks in the energy sector.

• Fostering technological innovations for improved energy systems.

3. Renewable Energy

• Researching and promoting solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable energy sources.

• Investigating the economics of renewable energy adoption.

• Supporting renewable energy solutions for rural and urban communities.

4. International Oil and Gas Management

• Analyzing global oil and gas market dynamics.

• Exploring international trade, geopolitics, and governance in the oil and gas sector.

• Advancing corporate governance practices in the energy industry.

5. Electricity Economics

• Researching efficient electricity generation, distribution, and pricing models.

• Addressing challenges in energy storage and grid management.

• Promoting smart grid systems and energy efficiency solutions.

6. Energy Finance

• Exploring investment and financial strategies in the energy sector.

• Managing risks and returns in energy projects.

• Supporting the economic analysis of energy transitions.

Doctorate Courses

Professional Master Courses

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Courses

Admission Requirement

1. Five credit passes including O’Level English Language and Mathematics at not more than two sittings.

2. Doctorate candidates must hold a Masters degree in Petroleum and Energy Economics or equivalent. Masters degree in Social Science, Law, Science, Management Science, Engineering and Agriculture are also admissible. For professional Masters degree, applicants are required to have minimum of Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in any degree in Social Science, Law, Science, Management Science, Engineering and Agriculture. Applicants for Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme would require a minimum of third class bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (Lower Credit) or its equivalent from a recognized institution.  

3. Additionally, applicants must fulfil the matriculation requirement as stipulated by the University of Abuja.

4. Prospective candidates may be required a screening exercise to assess their eligibility to undertake the programme.

5. NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter.

Future Courses

MSc, MPhl/PhD and PhD Energy Economics

1. Energy and the Environment

2. Energy Policy, Governance, and Innovation

3. Renewable Energy

4. International Oil and Gas Management

5. Electricity Economics

6. Energy Finance

Executive Certificate in Energy Economics

1. Energy and the Environment

2. Energy Policy, Governance, and Innovation

3. Renewable Energy

4. International Oil and Gas Management

5. Electricity Economics

6. Energy Finance

Key Achievements and Partnerships

• Partnership with NNPC Limited to establish a world-class office complex in Jahi District, Abuja.

• Active engagement with energy stakeholders across Nigeria and Africa.

• Contributions to policy formulation and implementation in the Nigerian energy sector.

Explore the Future of Energy with CPERE

• Join us in driving research and innovation in energy economics to create a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria and Africa. Together, we can shape the energy narrative and make a lasting impact.