The Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, has launched a specialised split-site PhD programme aimed at training world-class experts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while strengthening local capacity.
The programme, formally flagged off on Wednesday at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, marks a strategic shift in how Nigeria develops high-level manpower for its energy industry. Rather than relying heavily on full overseas training, the new model blends local academic grounding with international exposure, allowing scholars to study both in Nigeria and at selected partner universities abroad.
At the centre of this initiative is the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, the government agency responsible for building human capacity in the oil and gas sector. The agency’s Executive Secretary, Ahmed Aminu, described the programme as one of the most ambitious efforts yet to reposition Nigeria’s approach to advanced petroleum education.
“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to this induction programme, which marks the official commencement of academic activities at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund’s College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna,” Aminu said.
He added that the launch represents a defining moment not just for the PTDF, but for the entire energy sector.
“What we are witnessing today is one of the proudest moments not only for the PTDF, but for every professional in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
For decades, Nigeria has depended on overseas scholarships to train specialists in petroleum engineering, energy economics and related fields. While that approach has produced thousands of experts, it has also come with high costs and limited opportunities to build strong local academic institutions.
The new split-site PhD programme is designed to change that pattern. Under the arrangement, selected scholars will begin their studies in Nigeria at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, before proceeding to partner institutions in the United Kingdom. These include the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University and the University of Portsmouth.
According to Aminu, this model allows Nigeria to retain academic value within its borders while still maintaining global standards.
“The split-site model brings world-class international university education directly to our scholars within the country,” he said.
“Under this innovative arrangement, students will benefit from strong local academic mentorship, alongside direct exposure to some of the finest institutions in the United Kingdom.”
The programme started with the induction of 43 scholars, selected through a highly competitive process. Data provided by the PTDF shows that 3,702 applications were received when the programme was advertised in May 2025. After rigorous screening and merit-based assessment, only 43 candidates were awarded full scholarships.
“In May 2025, the PTDF advertised the Split-Site PhD programme in the national dailies, and a total of 3,702 applications were received,” Aminu said.
“Following a thorough process of screening, shortlisting and merit-based assessment, 43 of you seated here today were successful.”
To ensure quality supervision and continuity, the PTDF also appointed 43 academic advisers to support the scholars. Many of these advisers are former PTDF beneficiaries with proven expertise in their respective fields, creating a system where knowledge is recycled and strengthened within the country.
The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, plays a central role in this initiative. Conceived in 2009, the institution was developed as a specialised postgraduate centre focused on advanced research and innovation in oil, gas and emerging energy technologies.
Aminu described the college as the result of years of deliberate planning and investment.
“What you see around you, the facilities, this campus, and indeed this institution, is the result of many years of planning, investment, determination and hard work,” he said.
The goal, according to him, is to position the institution as a globally competitive hub for energy education.
“I am confident that this institution will emerge as a leading centre for energy education, research and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Federal Government’s decision to establish and support the programme reflects a broader policy direction aimed at strengthening local content in the energy sector. Experts have long identified a shortage of highly specialised skills as a major constraint to growth, especially in areas such as advanced petroleum engineering, energy transition technologies and resource management.
By training scholars partly within Nigeria, the government hopes to build a stronger domestic knowledge base that can support innovation and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
The programme has also received backing from the National Universities Commission, which views it as a milestone for Nigeria’s higher education system. The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, described the initiative as a boost for national development.
“This moment is significant not only for you, the scholars, but for the Nigerian university system and the nation at large,” Ribadu said.
He noted that the establishment of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies provides a permanent platform for postgraduate training within the country, something that has been lacking for years.
“The College will strengthen local expertise, reduce reliance on external training, and maintain global standards through its transnational partnerships.”
Ribadu also disclosed that the Commission had granted a licence for the institution to operate as a private university, a move he said reflects strong collaboration between key stakeholders in the education and energy sectors.
“The recent licence granted for the establishment of CPESK demonstrates a clear commitment to building enduring capacity within Nigeria while aligning with international best practice,” he said.
Both the PTDF and the NUC emphasised the importance of the pioneer scholars to the success of the programme. Aminu urged them to see themselves not just as students, but as representatives of a new national vision.
“You are not here just to obtain a degree; you are ambassadors of the CPESK vision,” he told them.
“You are expected to demonstrate discipline, commitment and a strong pursuit of excellence.”
Ribadu echoed this message, stressing that their performance would shape the future of the programme.
“As pioneers of this programme, your contributions will shape the reputation and impact of CPESK,” he said.
The launch comes at a time when Nigeria is under pressure to reposition its oil and gas sector in response to global energy transition trends. As the world gradually shifts towards cleaner energy sources, countries like Nigeria must develop the expertise needed to remain competitive while also exploring new opportunities.
The PTDF’s split-site PhD programme is seen as part of that response. By combining local training with international exposure, it aims to produce professionals who understand both global standards and local realities.
Beyond cost savings, the initiative is expected to address logistical challenges associated with full overseas education, while also encouraging research that is directly relevant to Nigeria’s energy needs.
It also aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen local content, enhance research capacity and promote innovation across the entire energy value chain.
For policymakers, the programme represents more than just an academic initiative. It is a long-term investment in human capital, designed to ensure that Nigeria can develop and sustain its own expertise in critical sectors.
If successful, the model could be expanded beyond the oil and gas industry to other areas of national importance, providing a new template for how the country builds its skilled workforce.
Through the PTDF, the Federal Government is effectively redefining its approach to capacity development, shifting from reliance on foreign systems to building a more self-sustaining and globally competitive knowledge base within Nigeria.
