The Nigerian government is offering specialised PhD programme to equip world-class energy experts locally while maintaining international standards. The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDTF) formally flagged off the splitsite PhD induction programme last week at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPES), marking a historic shift in Nigeria’s human capital development strategy for the energy sector.
The initiative, which began with the induction of 43 scholars at the CPESK, marks the first implementation of a split-site doctoral model designed to combine local academic training with international exposure.
Speaking at the event, the executive secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Aminu, said the initiative represented one of the most ambitious efforts yet to domesticate advanced petroleum education in Nigeria. “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.
Let me begin by stating that 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. “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, as well as the collective sacrifice of numerous individuals who have contributed to bringing the vision of CPESK to life,” Aminu said.
The initiative curbs decades of Nigeria’s reliance on overseas training to build capacity in its oil and gas industry, with thousands of scholars sponsored under the PTDF’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme, signaling a deliberate transition towards localising that expertise without sacrificing quality. According to Aminu, “As you may be aware, CPESK is one of the most ambitious initiatives of the PTDF.
From its conception in 2009 to its current status as a specialised postgraduate institution, the College has been deliberately developed to serve as a centre of excellence for advanced energy education. “Today, we declare boldly that CPESK is ready to domesticate the PTDF’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme at the highest level of academic excellence.”
