The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) have opened discussions on strengthening collaboration, with a focus on expanding specialised training in Nigeria’s petroleum and energy sector.
This formed the focus of a courtesy visit by PTDF Executive Secretary, Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, to the NUC headquarters on May 5, 2026, where he met with the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
At the centre of the engagement was the future of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, a PTDF-backed institution designed to build high-level manpower for Nigeria’s energy industry.
Ribadu commended PTDF for establishing the college, noting that it has already begun academic activities with the induction of its pioneer Ph.D. cohort under the split-site scholarship programme. He described the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening postgraduate education and research capacity in critical sectors.
Drawing from a recent visit to the institution, the NUC boss said the college boasts infrastructure that meets global standards, positioning it as a potential centre of excellence in energy studies.
He, however, raised concerns over the shortage of postgraduate manpower across Nigerian universities, particularly in newer institutions, stressing the need for expanded academic programmes to address the gap.
Ribadu assured PTDF of the Commission’s support in broadening the scope of programmes at the college, including plans to run additional courses alongside the existing split-site model.
The meeting also considered proposals to upgrade the college into a full-fledged university with specialised undergraduate offerings, a move both institutions believe could strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in petroleum and energy education.
Stakeholders say the partnership signals a growing emphasis on aligning higher education with national development priorities, particularly in sectors that require advanced technical expertise.
