Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and partnership agreement with the University of Portsmouth, UK, to boost capacity building in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Specifically, the agreement marks the second phase of the partnership framework for the operationalisation of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), a statement from PTDF said.
The deal signed in the UK was witnessed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr Ahmed Aminu and Vice Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Prof. Graham Galbraith.
At the event, Lokpobiri explained that there was the need to ensure the quick execution of the MoU, under the mutually agreed terms of the collaborative framework.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest decision-making body in Nigeria, had in May 2023 approved an operating licence through the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enable the college in Kaduna to operate as a private postgraduate university with 19 take-off programmes spread across three faculties and six departments.
The college is expected to serve as a vehicle to accelerate the domestication process of PTDF’s human capacity development programmes and retain the standards and quality that PTDF scholars enjoy abroad.
Lokpobiri emphasised the importance of sustainable capacity building as a cornerstone of the Nigerian government’s development agenda, expressing the federal government’s support of the Joint Venture (JV) framework between PTDF and partner universities to deliver postgraduate degrees at the college.
“This initiative underscores the need for immediate action. We must ensure that the implementation of this partnership begins without delay to realise the benefits of the world-class institution in Kaduna.
“This is in consonance with the Nigerian government’s trans-national higher education policy. Accordingly, the execution of this partnership agreement has passed the rigorous process of approval by the office of the minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation of Nigeria.
“I urge the parties in this partnership agreement to commence in earnest the full implementation of the mutually agreed terms of the collaborative framework, while assuring you the full support of the government of Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Fagbemi highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships in ensuring success, commending the University of Portsmouth for its global reputation for academic excellence.
“Who you partner with determines the success of any venture. The University of Portsmouth’s track record and ranking among the world’s leading institutions assure us that this collaboration has immense potential,” Fagbemi observed.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Aminu, expressed gratitude for the years of collaboration with the university which he said began with exploratory discussions in 2019.
“The University of Portsmouth has provided invaluable insights into shaping CPESK’s operational framework, drawing from their global academic experiences in Oman and Singapore. Their guidance ensures that CPESK is fit for purpose and adheres to global best practices,” he stated.
The MoU also follows earlier agreements signed with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Strathclyde in December 2024. Together, the partnerships form the foundation of CPESK’s pilot phase, involving three UK universities.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Galbraith, while also speaking, praised the collaboration, describing it as a unique opportunity to shape the future of energy education and innovation.
“This partnership aligns with our mission to create impactful global collaborations that benefit students, researchers, and industries worldwide,” he said.
PTDF said that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna is set to open its doors for the 2024/2025 academic session, noting that it remains steadfast in its mission to establish a globally recognised institution that will shape the future of energy education and research.
