…as PTDF inducts 43 students

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has inducted 43 PhD scholars into its pioneer cohort at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), marking the official commencement of academic activities at the institution.

Speaking at the induction ceremony on Wednesday in Kaduna, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu, described the event as a major milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and a culmination of years of planning, investment and collaboration.

He said the college, conceived in 2009, represents one of PTDF’s most ambitious initiatives and is designed as a specialised postgraduate institution to drive advanced energy education and research.

Aminu noted that CPESK would serve as a centre of excellence and help domesticate the Fund’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme, bringing world-class education closer to Nigerian scholars.

According to him, the newly launched PhD split-site programme, being implemented as a pilot, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and allows students to combine local academic mentorship with international exposure.

Under the arrangement, the scholars will undertake part of their studies in Nigeria while also receiving academic input from partner institutions in the United Kingdom, including the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth.

The PTDF boss disclosed that the programme attracted 3,702 applications when it was advertised in May 2025, out of which only 43 candidates emerged successful after a rigorous screening and merit-based selection process.

He added that 43 academic advisors, mostly PTDF alumni with strong academic credentials, have also been engaged to provide continuous guidance and support to the scholars throughout their studies.

Aminu attributed the successful take-off of the college to the support of key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), its Learning Academy, and partner universities.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, described the induction as a significant milestone for both the Nigerian university system and the country.

Ribadu commended PTDF for its sustained investment in human capital development in the oil and gas sector, noting that the establishment of CPESK provides a permanent platform for postgraduate training and research within Nigeria.

He said the college would strengthen local expertise, reduce dependence on foreign training and maintain global standards through its transnational partnerships.

The NUC boss also highlighted the strong collaboration between the commission and PTDF, adding that the recent licensing of CPESK as a private university reflects a shared commitment to building enduring capacity in line with international best practices.

“To the scholars being inducted today, I urge you to be worthy ambassadors of the Fund and of Nigeria. As pioneers of this programme, your contributions will shape the reputation and impact of CPESK,” he said.

Urging the scholars to justify the opportunity, Aminu said they were expected to demonstrate discipline, commitment and excellence, stressing that the knowledge acquired should translate into meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector.

“You are not here just to obtain a degree; you are ambassadors of a vision to build a new generation of globally competitive professionals for Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He expressed confidence that CPESK would evolve into a leading hub for energy education, research and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.