PTDF strengthens ties with Scottish varsities

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is advancing its efforts by partnering with Scottish Universities to facilitate knowledge transfer at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna.

This initiative, according to a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, SA to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), aims to ensure that more scholars are trained domestically with the same global standards previously achieved abroad.

In a ceremony at Aberdeen and Glasgow, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of PTDF with Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

The agreement outlines a frame work for academic exchange and technology transfer to further strengthen the academic and professional programs at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna.

Speaking at the event, Senator Lokpobiri emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity. By bringing these knowledge transfer programs home, we are laying the foundation for a self- sustaining oil and gas sector driven by highly skilled Nigerians.”

Also at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, signed a Partnership Agreement with the two Scottish institutions to formalize their roles in the collaboration.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Aminu noted, “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.”

Prof. Steve Olivier, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of RGU, expressed enthusiasm for 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, remarked, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships in transforming education and industry. Together, we arebuilding a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector.”