The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) with Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
The agreement, which was signed in a ceremony at both universities, establishes a framework for academic exchange and technology transfer aimed at strengthening the academic and professional programmes at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The PTDF, in its mission to build capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, has consistently focused on training a skilled workforce equipped with world-class knowledge.
This latest partnership seeks to enhance local capacity through knowledge transfer and to ensure that the same high standards achieved internationally are brought home.
The statement, issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, described the agreement as a step forward in the PTDF’s efforts to enhance local capabilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Senator Lokpobiri, speaking at the event, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity. By bringing these knowledge transfer programmes home, we are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining oil and gas sector driven by highly skilled Nigerians.”
At the same ceremony, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, signed a Partnership Agreement with the two Scottish universities to formalise their roles in the collaboration.
Aminu expressed his confidence in the partnership, saying: “Robert Gordon University and the University of Strathclyde have been dependable partners over the years, hosting our foreign-sponsored scholars.
“With these agreements, we are strategically bringing those experiences and expertise home to not only develop in-country capacity but also increase opportunities for more Nigerians to benefit from the PTDF scholarship scheme.”
RGU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Steve Olivier, praised the partnership, stating: “We are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with PTDF, now extending our expertise directly to Nigeria.
“This partnership will ensure that the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies becomes a hub for innovation and excellence.”
Similarly, Prof. Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships in transforming education and industry. Together, we are building a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector.”
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the PTDF’s reform agenda, focusing on developing homegrown resources and fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
With the agreements now in place, the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna is poised to become a centre of excellence, equipped to deliver world-class education and research to support Nigeria’s energy ambitions.