The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has renewed its commitment to advancing research, training, and education in Nigeria’s energy sector through stronger collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
During a courtesy visit to the NUC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, led a delegation of the Fund’s management team to meet with the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Aminu explained that PTDF’s mandate is focused on building human and institutional capacity for the oil, gas, and energy sectors. He emphasized the importance of training, research, and institutional development, while noting that the newly established College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) represents a key part of this mission.
According to him, “The College sits on 86 hectares of land and is fully equipped with modern academic, residential, research, and digital learning facilities, making it a world-class postgraduate institution.”
He commended the NUC for licensing CPESK to operate as a private postgraduate university with 19 programmes across six departments and three faculties. Aminu also highlighted the Commission’s role in ensuring that the institution’s academic framework aligns with international standards.
The PTDF Secretary further announced ongoing partnerships with three leading UK universities — University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and University of Portsmouth — for split-site PhD programmes. He disclosed that collaboration with NNPC Limited will also support professional and vocational training. “The first cohort of PhD students will be admitted in September 2025,” he added.
In his remarks, Prof. Ribadu praised PTDF’s contribution to the oil and gas industry, describing CPESK as a landmark achievement. He noted, “This College provides foreign standard education locally at a more affordable cost.” He also reaffirmed that NUC had been part of the project from the early planning stages and pledged continued support to maintain global academic and research standards.
Prof. Ribadu stressed the importance of research in sustaining growth in the energy sector and assured that NUC would remain a strong partner in PTDF’s drive for excellence.
The visit highlighted PTDF and NUC’s shared vision for strengthening Nigeria’s energy education and research framework.