The Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to human capital development in Nigeria’s energy sector, as he received the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on a courtesy visit to the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK).
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Aminu noted that PTDF is mandated to build capacity for the oil, gas, and energy industries through training, research, and institutional support.
“Our role as a Fund is to ensure that Nigeria has the technical expertise and institutional capacity to sustain and grow its energy sector. This is why we are investing in both human capital and world-class training institutions such as CPESK,” he said.
The Executive Secretary described CPESK as a centre of excellence designed to train senior technical, managerial, and executive personnel. The 86-hectare campus houses academic wings, residential facilities, a 500-seat International Conference Centre, sports infrastructure, and a modern library with fibre-optic digital systems.
He disclosed that the College has been licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a private postgraduate institution offering 19 programmes across three faculties. To enrich academic delivery, PTDF has entered into partnerships with the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
“Through our split-site model, students will study primarily at CPESK in Kaduna, while gaining international exposure through short academic stays in the UK. This will ensure our graduates remain globally competitive while serving Nigeria’s local needs,” Mr. Aminu explained.
Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu further revealed that CPESK will admit its pioneer cohort of PhD students in September 2025, in faculties including Computing and Telecommunication Technology, Earth and Applied Sciences, and Energy Law and Management Sciences.
“The development of a nation is tied to the development of its human capital. With CPESK, we are laying a strong foundation for knowledge transfer and sustainable growth in the energy sector,” he added.
In response, the PENGASSAN President- Com. Engr. FESTUS OSIFO commended PTDF and the Executive Secretary for their vision and commitment to the energy sector.
“We thank PTDF for the partnership, support, and collaboration. The Executive Secretary has demonstrated patriotism by ensuring the completion of this project without abandonment. CPESK stands as a practical demonstration of local content in action,” the PENGASSAN President said.
He further noted that capacity building is central to national development:
“Nothing compares to investment in human capital, because the development of a country is ultimately the development of its people. This institution is a hallmark of excellence, and we will ensure that what we have seen here is cascaded down to the National Oil Companies and beyond government establishments.”
The duo affirmed that CPESK symbolizes the benchmark for excellence in oil and gas training and development.
