NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme 2027

NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme 2027

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/AENR Joint Venture, invites applications from qualified Nigerian postgraduate students and university lecturers for the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme.

The programme provides opportunities for postgraduate research and academic collaboration in areas related to the energy industry, engineering, environmental management, health, geosciences and community development.

The programme has two categories: the Postgraduate Research Internship for eligible MSc, M.Phil. and PhD students, and the Sabbatical Attachment for university lecturers at the rank of Senior Lecturer and above.

Scholarship and Research Programme Quick Facts

• Programme Name: 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme
• Provider: Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/AENR Joint Venture
• Study Level: Postgraduate research and university-level academic research
• Fields: Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Health, Community Health and related disciplines
• Country: Nigeria
• Funding: Not specified in the available programme information
• Eligible Applicants: Nigerian postgraduate students and qualified university lecturers
• Duration: 12 months, non-renewable
• Application Opens: 23 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
• Application Method: Email submission
• Application Fee: Free

What Is the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme?

The 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme is a research initiative that offers Nigerian postgraduate students and university lecturers opportunities to undertake research and gain industry-related experience.

The programme supports research activities across selected technical, scientific, engineering, environmental, health and community-related disciplines.

Its objectives include supporting research relevant to Renaissance’s business objectives and strengthening teaching and research activities at its Centres of Excellence.

The programme has two categories:

• Postgraduate Research Internship: For eligible Nigerian students pursuing MSc, M.Phil. or PhD degrees.
• Sabbatical Attachment: For university lecturers at the rank of Senior Lecturer and above.

Both categories last 12 months and are non-renewable.

Is the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Research Programme Right for You?

You should consider applying if you meet the eligibility requirements for either programme category and your academic background aligns with an available research area.

You should apply if:

• You are a Nigerian postgraduate student pursuing an MSc, M.Phil. or PhD degree and meet the requirements for a listed research area.
• You are a university lecturer at the rank of Senior Lecturer or above and your discipline matches an available sabbatical attachment area.
• You can prepare the required application documents and research proposal or sabbatical summary.
• Your research interests relate to one of the programme’s listed disciplines.

You may not qualify if:

• You do not meet the academic requirements for your chosen programme category.
• Your discipline does not match an available research area.
• You have previously participated in the programme.
• You fail to state your preferred team or discipline in your application.
• You submit your application after the deadline.

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What Does the Programme Offer?

The programme provides research and professional development opportunities through participation in selected research activities.

Its stated objectives include:

• Providing postgraduate students with opportunities to undertake research relevant to their academic programmes.
• Helping university lecturers gain industry-related experience.
• Supporting research that contributes to Renaissance’s business objectives.
• Strengthening teaching and research activities at designated Centres of Excellence.
• Encouraging research in engineering, environmental management, health, geosciences and other listed disciplines.

Financial Benefits

The available programme information does not specify a stipend, salary, tuition support, accommodation, travel allowance or other financial benefits. Applicants should not assume that these benefits are included unless Renaissance confirms them.

Who Can Apply for the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Programme?

Eligibility depends on the programme category selected.

1. Postgraduate Research Internship

This category is open to Nigerian postgraduate students pursuing:

• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants must select a research team or discipline that matches their academic background and the programme’s requirements. Some research areas have additional requirements, including specific PhD qualifications and relevant professional experience.

2. Sabbatical Attachment for University Lecturers

This category is open to university lecturers at the rank of Senior Lecturer and above.

Applicants must have an academic background relevant to an available team or discipline and submit a titled, one-page summary explaining how their proposed research will add value to Renaissance’s business during the 12-month attachment.

Available Research Areas and Disciplines

A. Postgraduate Research Internship

The following teams and disciplines are available to eligible postgraduate applicants.

Environment

Research opportunities in impact assessment and environmental compliance monitoring.

Occupational Health

Research opportunities in health promotion, epidemiology and statistics.

Pipeline Availability

This area is for PhD candidates in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Oil and Gas Engineering

Applicants must also have at least three years of pipeline engineering experience in design, construction or integrity assessment.

Exploration

This area is for PhD interns in Geology or Geophysics, with a focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) to exploration workflows.

B. Sabbatical Attachment for University Lecturers

The following research areas are available for eligible lecturers.

Environment

Available disciplines include:

• Impact Assessment and Biodiversity
• Environmental Toxicology
• Air Quality Assessment
• Hydrobiology
• Water Chemistry
• Hydrogeology
• Ecology

Corporate Relations: Social Performance

Research areas include social impact assessment and management.

Corporate Relations: Host Community Development Trust and Stakeholder Relations

Research opportunities relate to Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and stakeholder relations.

Community Health

Available disciplines include:

• Community Health
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Paediatrics

Nigerian Content Development

This area is open to professors in any engineering discipline with an interest in process or project engineering.

NNPC/Renaissance JV Centre of Excellence in Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering

Located at the University of Benin, this centre offers research opportunities in:

• Geology
• Geophysics
• Petroleum Engineering

NNPC/Renaissance JV Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering

Located at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, this centre offers research opportunities in:

• Marine and Offshore Engineering
• Naval Architecture

Exploration

Research opportunities are available in Geology or Geophysics, with a focus on AI in exploration workflows.

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What Do You Need to Apply?

Applicants must prepare the documents required for their chosen programme category.

Documents Required for All Applicants

1. Application Letter

Prepare an application letter stating the team or discipline you wish to join.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV must include your phone number, email address and contact details for three referees.

Additional Document for Sabbatical Applicants

3. One-Page Research Summary

University lecturers applying for the sabbatical attachment must submit a titled, one-page summary explaining how they intend to add value to Renaissance’s business during the 12-month attachment.

Additional Document for Postgraduate Research Internship Applicants

4. Research Proposal

Postgraduate applicants must submit a research proposal covering:

• Study background
• Technical objectives
• Methodology
• Required data
• Expected outcomes

The proposal should relate to the research area selected in the application.

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How to Apply for the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Programme

Applications must be submitted by email.

Follow these steps:

• Confirm your eligibility: Determine whether you qualify for the postgraduate research internship or the sabbatical attachment.
• Select a research area: Choose a team or discipline that matches your academic background and the programme’s requirements.
• Prepare your application letter: Clearly state the team or discipline you wish to join.
• Prepare your CV: Include your phone number, email address and contact details for three referees.
• Prepare the additional document for your category: Postgraduate applicants must submit a research proposal, while sabbatical applicants must submit a titled, one-page research summary.
• Use a clear email subject line: State the relevant team or discipline in the subject line.
• Submit your application: Send your application and supporting documents to university-relations@renaissanceafrica.com before the deadline.

Application Email

Email: university-relations@renaissanceafrica.com

Deadline: 6 November 2026.

CLICK THE LINK TO CHECK THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

Applicants should ensure that their documents address the requirements of their selected research area.

• Choose the correct discipline: Apply for a research area that matches your qualifications and experience.
• Prepare a relevant research proposal: Postgraduate applicants should clearly explain the study background, technical objectives, methodology, required data and expected outcomes.
• Explain your proposed contribution: Sabbatical applicants should identify how their research could add value to Renaissance’s business during the 12-month attachment.
• Provide complete contact information: Include your phone number, email address and details of three referees in your CV.
• Use the correct email subject line: Clearly identify your preferred team or discipline.
• Submit before the deadline: Applications received after 6 November 2026 will not be accepted.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

Applicants should take note of the following conditions:

• The application period runs from 23 October to 6 November 2026.
• Both programme categories last 12 months and are non-renewable.
• Previous participants are not eligible to apply again.
• Applications that do not clearly state the preferred team or discipline will not be considered.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• The application process is completely free.
• Renaissance and its joint venture partners do not request payment from applicants or appoint agents to process applications.

Programme Enquiries

For enquiries, contact university-relations@renaissanceafrica.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline for the 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Programme?

The application deadline is 6 November 2026.

Who can apply for the postgraduate research internship?

Nigerian postgraduate students pursuing MSc, M.Phil. or PhD degrees can apply, subject to the requirements of their chosen research area.

Who can apply for the sabbatical attachment?

University lecturers at the rank of Senior Lecturer and above can apply, provided their academic background matches an available research area.

How long does the programme last?

Both the postgraduate research internship and the sabbatical attachment last 12 months. Neither category is renewable.

What disciplines are available?

The available areas include engineering, Geology, Geophysics, environmental sciences, occupational health, community health, petroleum engineering, marine and offshore engineering, naval architecture and other disciplines specified in the programme announcement.

Does the programme provide a stipend or financial support?

The available programme information does not specify a stipend or other financial benefits. Applicants should contact Renaissance directly for clarification.

What documents are required?

All applicants must submit an application letter and a CV containing contact details for three referees. Postgraduate applicants must also submit a research proposal, while sabbatical applicants must provide a titled, one-page summary explaining their proposed contribution to Renaissance’s business.

How do I submit my application?

Email your application and supporting documents to university-relations@renaissanceafrica.com. Clearly state your preferred team or discipline in the email subject line.

Is the application free?

Yes. The application process is completely free. Renaissance and its joint venture partners do not request payment from applicants or appoint agents to process applications.

Can previous participants apply again?

No. Applications from individuals who have previously participated in the programme will not be considered.

Will every applicant receive a response?

No. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Our Take: Who Should Apply?

The 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme is suitable for Nigerian postgraduate students and university lecturers whose research interests align with the available disciplines.

MSc, M.Phil. and PhD students should review the postgraduate research internship requirements carefully, particularly the additional experience required for the Pipeline Availability team and the PhD requirements for Exploration.

University lecturers at the rank of Senior Lecturer and above should consider the sabbatical attachment if they can develop a research plan that relates to one of the listed areas and explains its potential value to Renaissance’s business.

Applicants should prepare the required documents and submit their applications before 6 November 2026. The programme is free, and no applicant should pay an individual or agent to process an application.

Conclusion

The 2027 NNPC/Renaissance JV Sabbatical and Postgraduate Research Internship Programme offers eligible Nigerian postgraduate students and university lecturers a 12-month opportunity to undertake research in selected technical, scientific, engineering, environmental and health-related disciplines.

Interested applicants should confirm their eligibility, select an appropriate research area, prepare the required documents and email their applications to university-relations@renaissanceafrica.com before the 6 November 2026 deadline.