FG Signs MoUs with UK Varsities to Enhance Tech Transfer in Oil Sector
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The federal government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, to foster collaboration, information exchange, and technology transfer in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the universities’ Principals, Prof. Steve Olivier of RGU and Prof. Sir Jim McDonald of Strathclyde, respectively.
A statement in Abuja signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, said the development marked a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s local capacity in line with global best practices.
Aside from setting out a framework for academic exchange and technology transfer to enhance professional programmes at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna, the initiative also aims to provide domestic training at the same global standards previously achieved abroad.
Speaking at the event, Lokpobiri highlighted the partnership’s significance, stressing the federal government’s commitment to ensuring global best practices in sustaining operations in the country’s hydrocarbons sector.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity. By bringing these knowledge transfer programmes home, we are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining oil and gas sector driven by highly skilled Nigerians,” Lokpobiri said.
Also, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Aminu, signed a partnership agreement with both universities to formalise their roles in the collaboration, describing both tertiary institutions as dependable partners over the years as well as hosting Nigeria’s foreign-sponsored scholars.
“With these agreements, we are strategically bringing those experiences and expertise home to not only develop in-country capacity but also increase opportunities for more Nigerians to benefit from the PTDF scholarship scheme,” he stated.
With a mandate to build capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the PTDF chief executive stressed that the fund had consistently ensured the training of manpower equipped with world-class knowledge in various disciplines.
The PTDF added that the initiative aims to ensure that more scholars are trained domestically with the same global standards previously achieved abroad.
“In line with the provisions of the college governing law, processes are at an advanced stage towards instituting a lean governance structure to steer the affairs of the college through its critical formative years.
“Therefore, all necessary steps will be taken immediately to activate the enrolment process towards commencement of the 2024/2025 academic session at the college,” Aminu said.
Also speaking, RGU Vice Chancellor, Olivier expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
He said: “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.”
On his part, McDonald of Strathclyde University, said the collaboration was 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,” he stated.
According to the release, the initiative is a key part of PTDF’s reform agenda, focusing on localising capacity building and fostering sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.
With the agreements now in place, the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna, it said, is poised to become a world-class centre of excellence, supporting Nigeria’s energy ambitions through cutting-edge education and research.
