PTDF partners with three UK varsities to activate Kaduna petroleum college

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has signed a partnership agreement with the University of Portsmouth, UK, to provide capacity-building energy education in Nigeria.

In 2019, the PTDF made public its plan to build a college for petroleum studies in Kaduna.

The fund said the institution, named the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies Kaduna (CPESK), would provide world-class training and research in oil, gas, and energy studies, to address the country’s growing need for skilled workers in the energy industry.

The CPESK, PTDF also said, is planning to begin operations with the 2024/2025 academic session.

In a statement on Monday, PTDF said an agreement has been struck with UK’s University of Portsmouth in what has become the second phase of a partnership framework for the operationalisation of the CPESK.

Present at the signing were the minister of state for petroleum resources Heineken Lokpobiri and the minister of justice Lateef Fagbemi.

Also present were officials of the University of Portsmouth.

In his remarks, Lokpobiri emphasised the importance of sustainable capacity building as a cornerstone of the Nigerian government’s development agenda.

“This initiative underscores the need for immediate action. We must ensure that the implementation of this partnership begins without delay, to realise the benefits of the world-class institution in Kaduna,” he stated.

Ahmed Aminu, the executive secretary of PTDF, said the fund initiated exploratory discussions with the University of Portsmouth in 2019.

“The University of Portsmouth has provided invaluable insights into shaping CPESK’s operational framework, drawing from their global academic experiences in Oman and Singapore,” he said.

“Their guidance ensures that CPESK is fit for purpose and adheres to global best practices.”

Graham Galbraith, the vice-chancellor of University of Portsmouth, said a collaboration with CPESK is an opportunity to shape the future of energy education and innovation.

“Together, these partnerships form the foundation of CPESK’s pilot phase, involving three UK Universities,” he added.

The Portsmouth MoU follows earlier agreements with two other UK institutions including the Robert Gordon University and the University of Strathclyde in 2024.