Nigerian govt. signs MoU with Scottish Universities for crude oil research

The Nigerian government through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has reached an agreement with two Scottish universities for research and growth in the oil and gas sector.

According to the agreement reached, the development is aimed at ensuring advancing capacity in country’s oil and gas sector.

The development was communicated in a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, who is special adviser to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil).

Also at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, signed a Partnership Agreement with Scottish Institutions to formalise their roles in the collaboration.

“Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has consistently ensured the training of manpower equipped with world-class knowledge in various disciplines.” the statement read.

“Recognising the need for sustained quality and localised capacity, PTDF is advancing its efforts by partnering with Scottish Universities to facilitate knowledge transfer at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna.”

According to the Petroleum Minister’s statement, with the agreement signed, the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, “is poised to become a center of excellence, equipped to deliver world-class education and research to support Nigeria’s energy ambitions.”

The initiative, it was noted, aims to ensure that more scholars are trained domestically “with the same global standards previously achieved abroad.”

The agreement was reached in an agreement ceremony at Aberdeen and Glasgow.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

The agreement was signed with Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

“The agreement outlines a framework for academic exchange and technology transfer to further strengthen the academic and professional programs at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna.” the statement noted.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity. 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,” Senator Lokpobiri stated during the ceremony.

Speaking on the development, Prof. Steve Olivier, who is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of RGU, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are proud to continue our longstanding 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, remarked, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships in transforming education and industry. Together, we arebuilding a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector.”

It was stated that the “initiative represents a significant milestone in PTDF’s reform agenda, focusing on developing homegrown resources and fostering sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.”

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