Jeffrey Kuraun: From Oilfields to Humanitarian Fields

With more than two decades of post-qualification experience in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry and mining sector, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun has carved a reputation as both a technical expert and a humanitarian voice. Having held senior roles across geology, seismic operations, and business development, his career reflects not only professional excellence but also a consistent passion for service.

A Career Forged in Oil, Gas and Mining

Kuraun’s journey began at the University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree in Geology and Mining. His brilliance was evident early on—he clinched first place in the prestigious Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS)/Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited Award for the best BSc thesis in Geoscience across Nigerian universities.

He later advanced his education in the United Kingdom, obtaining a Master of Science (MSc) in Field & Well Management (Engineering)—now known as Petroleum Production Engineering—from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

Professionally, he has worked with some of Nigeria’s leading service companies, beginning as a Senior Seismologist at United Geophysical, then transitioning into business leadership roles as Business Development Manager at ANS Energy Services and Standards & Baldwin.

Over the years, Kuraun has also accumulated a rich portfolio of memberships and fellowships, including the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria (IMCN) where he is a Fellow. His credentials also include a Master Class Certificate in Business Administration from the London Graduate School and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management, specializing in Oil and Gas, from Commonwealth University.

Building Benue with Respect and Unity

Beyond the oilfields, Kuraun has his sights firmly set on the future of his home state—Benue. Asked about his vision for reforming the state, he emphasizes a culture of respect, resilience, and collective progress:

> “We from Benue are regarded as great, fearless people. We are farmers, proud of our roots, and though we’ve faced challenges, particularly in security, we must not run down our state or its leaders. Even when we disagree, let us engage respectfully. This is not just about politics; it’s about our identity.”



Kuraun stresses the importance of promoting Benue positively on national and global platforms. His leadership vision, he says, is to deliver “sincere and thorough governance never seen before”—with the capacity to place Benue on the global stage.

Championing Education Through WAEC

Kuraun’s impact extends into education. He was nominated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to contribute to curriculum development and syllabus reviews. His specific focus was the introduction of Mining as a secondary school subject—a pioneering step in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

> “The idea was to empower students with practical trade skills so they could thrive even without university education,” he recalls. “I worked on mining because it was new to the curriculum. We developed syllabuses and examination frameworks to make the subject accessible to young Nigerians. It was about giving students employable skills right from secondary school.”



His work helped integrate lapidary skills—cutting and polishing gemstones—into the curriculum, opening new vocational pathways for students.

The Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation: A Covenant of Service

Outside his professional career, Kuraun has dedicated himself to humanitarian work through the Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation (JKF). Inspired by Mother Teresa’s words—“If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one”—he made a personal covenant to set aside part of his income to help others.

> “I am a civil servant, I don’t earn much, but I promised God that a portion of what I make must go to helping others until my last breath,” he explains.



The foundation’s work is focused on health, education, and economic empowerment. In the health sector, JKF organizes seminars and awareness campaigns on issues like HIV and hepatitis, donates essential drugs, and facilitates medical outreaches. In education, it supports initiatives that provide young people with opportunities to learn and grow. On economic empowerment, the foundation helps individuals—especially women and youths—develop skills that can sustain livelihoods.

> “Charity is not always about money. Sometimes, just a smile, a hello, or showing concern can change someone’s life. That is the spirit behind my foundation,” Kuraun reflects.



Despite challenges—such as people misrepresenting their needs—he insists that genuine service must remain consistent: “Don’t be discouraged. You don’t need to change everybody’s life, just one or two or three. That is enough.”

Looking Ahead

From oil rigs to classrooms, from technical boardrooms to grassroots outreaches, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun embodies a blend of professionalism, leadership, and compassion. His career and philanthropic work show a man driven not just by ambition, but by conviction—to uplift others, reform his state, and place Nigeria’s mineral and human resources on the world map.