Penultimate week, PTDF signed landmark MoUs and partnership agreements with Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and University of Strathclyde, Glasgow for delivery of split site doctorate degree programs at college of petroleum & energy studies, Kaduna: Group Business Editor, Onu Okorie writes that it marks a paradigm shift in capacity development by the Agency
“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, require creative imagination and marks real advance in science”.
The above statement from the great philosopher of all times, Albert Einstein can best describe the current innovative development going on in the Petroleum Technology Development Fund PTDF since the new Executive Secretary; Ahmed Aminu Galadima took over helm of affairs in the agency.
There is no doubt that he has demonstrated a new way of doing things in the petroleum sector particularly in capacity development. Penultimate week, he led the PTDF to sign 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 PTDF Executive Secretary 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.
However, he added that the new phase of collaboration, 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:
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.
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.
Lower Operational Costs: Domestication significantly reduces the financial burden associated with overseas education, enabling PTDF to train more individuals with the same resources.
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.
Visionary Approach to Capacity Development, Mr. 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”. He said.
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.
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 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 Commission.
The 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.
It is noteworthy that the innovations introduced by the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu was planned right from on set as he took over the Agency. This is given that he utilises any opportunity that present itself to reveal his innovative plan for the Agency.
It will be recalled that during a courtesy visit by the National President of Oil and Gas Training Association of Nigeria OGTAN, Mazi Sam Azoka Oyechi and his team, at the PTDF Office in Abuja after Mr Aminu assumed office, he affirmed the Fund’s commitment to capacity building for the Oil and Gas Sector In Nigeria.
He further emphasized the present focus of the Fund on domesticating its Human Capital Development Programs by leveraging on its Center of Excellence in Port Harcourt and Kaduna respectively when completed.
In his remarks, the National President, noted that the purpose of the visit was to discuss areas for collaboration on instituting a system for Standardization and ISO Certification of Oil and Gas trainings in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary commended the National President, OGTAN and his team for their efforts in articulating and advancing Human Capacity Development in the oil and gas industry and further expressed the Fund’s readiness to collaborate when the need arises.
Also during the International Energy Summit held in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the PTDF in a keynote presentation at the session Themed: Digital Transformation & Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Upstream and Downstream Sectors highlighted plans to bring positive transformation in the training of Nigerians in petroleum industry.
In the keynote address, the Executive Secretary highlighted current developments and underscore PTDF’s commitment to digital transformation, sustainability, and investment in young Nigerians.
He noted that the Fund’s Overseas and In-country scholarship schemes are crucial in fostering youth-led innovation and development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He emphasized that the Fund’s programmes such as STEM capacity-building program for secondary school students and its Centres of Excellence in Port Harcourt and Kaduna, will focus on bridging the investment gap in youth capacity development when completed.
Also when the Editorial Board of the Petroleum Technology Development Journal (PTDJ) paid a courtesy visit to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund’s (PTDF) corporate office in Abuja, Mr Aminu as usual utilised the opportunity to engage in strategic discussions focused on enhancing the journal’s impact and reach.
PTDF is a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources established by Decree 25 of 1973 for the purpose of developing and promoting petroleum technology and for creating the manpower needs of the oil and gas industry through research and training of Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Ahmed Aminu as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund PTDF in 2023 as he assumed office.
