The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has strengthened its commitment to advancing local capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by forging strategic partnerships with two leading Scottish institutions: Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Scotland, aims to bolster the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna, transforming it into a hub for world-class education and innovation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasised the importance of localising global expertise.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity,” Lokpobiri said, in a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, the special assistant to the minister.

“By bringing these knowledge transfer programs home, we are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining oil and gas sector driven by highly skilled Nigerians.”

The MoU provides a framework for academic exchange, technical training, and technology transfer, ensuring Nigerian scholars can access world-class education domestically.

For years, PTDF has sent scholars abroad to prestigious institutions, including RGU and the University of Strathclyde. The new agreement leverages this existing relationship to enhance in-country capacity.

Executive secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, signed a separate Partnership Agreement with the two universities, formalising their roles in the initiative.

“Robert Gordon University and the University of Strathclyde have been dependable partners, hosting our foreign-sponsored scholars. With these agreements, we are strategically bringing their expertise home to develop capacity locally and expand scholarship opportunities for Nigerians,” Aminu noted.

Leaders from both Scottish universities expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collaboration.

Vice-chancellor and Principal of RGU, Prof. Steve Olivier, highlighted the institution’s commitment to Nigeria’s development.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with PTDF, now extending our expertise directly to Nigeria. This partnership will ensure that the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies becomes a hub for innovation and excellence.”

Similarly, Prof. Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, lauded the partnership’s transformative potential.

“This collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships in transforming education and industry. Together, we are building a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector.”

The agreement aligns with PTDF’s reform agenda, which focuses on fostering homegrown expertise to drive sustainable growth in the energy sector. By positioning the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies as a center of excellence, the initiative is expected to attract global recognition and increase opportunities for Nigerian scholars.

With this partnership, PTDF is poised to not only advance Nigeria’s energy ambitions but also inspire a new generation of innovators equipped to tackle industry challenges.