In a historic stride towards advancing Nigeria’s capacity development in the oil and gas sector, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has signed landmark MoU’s and Partnership agreements with the renowned Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom to deliver split site doctorate degree programs at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies Kaduna (CPESK).
The MoU and agreement signing is a pivotal step in the utilization of PTDF’s College of Petroleum & Energy Studies Kaduna (CPESK) and marks a significant achievement in PTDF’s efforts to domesticate world-class capacity development programs.
The signing ceremonies were graced by notable dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representative of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice and the National Universities Commision. The Honorable Minister in his address emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that enhance local capacity, reduce capital flight, and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness. He noted further that this is a Partnership Rooted in Excellence and Vision.
The PTDF Executive Secretary, Mr Ahmed Galadima Aminu while speaking at the ceremony said, “the MoU symbolizes the deep-rooted collaboration between PTDF and RGU, a relationship spanning over two decades. Since 2001, RGU’s commercial arm, Univation, has played a pivotal role in shaping PTDF’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) into a globally renowned initiative. This new phase of collaboration, however, shifts focus toward the domestication of high-end education and training programs within Nigeria, aligning with PTDF’s strategic mandate.”
He also highlighted the importance of this shift, stating, “While we have achieved significant
milestones through overseas training, the domestication of these programs will not only uphold world-class standards but also deliver tangible benefits, including reduced operational costs, strengthened local capacity, and reduction in capital flight.”
The domestication strategy is poised to yield numerous advantages for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. By delivering world-class education locally, PTDF aims to:
1. Reduce Capital Flight: By offering high-quality training within Nigeria, funds previously spent on overseas education can be reinvested into the local economy, creating a ripple effect of growth and development.
2. Strengthen Local Capacity: The establishment of CPESK as a center of excellence ensures that Nigerian professionals are trained to international standards without the need to travel abroad, thereby building a robust pipeline of skilled talent.
3. Lower Operational Costs: Domestication significantly reduces the financial burden associated with overseas education, enabling PTDF to train more individuals with the same resources.
4. Enhance Knowledge Transfer: Local training fosters collaboration between Nigerian institutions and international partners like RGU and University of Strathclyde, ensuring the continuous exchange of expertise and best practices.
A Visionary Approach to Capacity Development, Mr. Ahmed Galadima further noted that, as the proprietor of CPESK, PTDF is committed to ensuring the institution adheres to global best practices and quality assurance standards. The programs will be tailored to industry needs with focus to addressing critical skill gaps and driving innovation in Nigeria’s energy sector.
This groundbreaking partnership is a testament to the Executive Secretary’s visionary leadership, which has reinvigorated PTDF’s mandate over the past year when he was appointed as the substantive Executive Secretary of the Fund. By prioritizing domestication alongside global partnerships, he has charted a course that strengthens sustainable oil and gas capacity development in Nigeria.
With the Executive Secretary’s first year in office, this achievement signals the dawn of a new era for PTDF—one defined by innovation, strategic vision, and a commitment to building local capacity that measures up to global standards.