Representatives from the PTDF and their counterparts from Portsmouth University, UK, during the signing of the MoU
By Emmanuella Anokam
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has signed a Partnership Agreement with the University of Portsmouth, UK, to revolutionise education and also build capacity in the country’s energy sector.
According to a statement from PTDF, the agreement signed on Monday in the UK, marks the second phase of the partnership framework for the operationalisation of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies Kaduna (CPESK).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) followed earlier agreements signed with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Strathclyde in December 2024.
It had in attendance key government dignitaries including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi and 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.
“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.
The minister recalled that the Federal Executive Council in May 2023 approved an operating licence through the National Universities Commission (NUC), to enable the CPESK operate as a private postgraduate university with 19 take-off programmes.
He said the College was aimed at serving as a vehicle to accelerate the domestication process of PTDF’s Human Capacity Development Programmes.
“In this way, the standards and quality that PTDF scholars enjoy abroad will be retained.
“It is also expected that other players in the industry, both public and private, will likewise patronise the college for their training needs.
“This is in consonance with the Nigerian government’s trans-national higher education policy.
“Accordingly, the execution of this partnership agreement has passed the rigorous process of approval by the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation of Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister of Justice, while highlighting the critical role of strategic partnerships in ensuring success lauded the University of Portsmouth, for its global reputation for academic excellence.
“Who you partner with determines the success of any venture.
“The University of Portsmouth’s track record and ranking among the world’s leading institutions assure us that this collaboration has immense potential,” he said.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr Ahmed Aminu, expressed gratitude for the years of collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, which began with exploratory discussions 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.
“Their guidance ensures that CPESK is fit for purpose and adheres to global best practices,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Portsmouth, Prof. Graham Galbraith, described the collaboration as a unique opportunity to shape the future of energy education and innovation.
“This partnership aligns with our mission to create impactful global collaborations that benefit students, researchers and industries worldwide.
“Together, these partnerships form the foundation of CPESK’s pilot phase, involving three UK Universities.
“The agreements reflect PTDF’s commitment to fostering world-class education and research in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he said.
As CPESK prepares to open for the 2024/2025 academic session, PTDF remains steadfast to establish a globally recognised institution to shape the future of energy education and research, setting new benchmarks for excellence in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)