The Nigerian federal government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, aiming to bolster technology transfer and foster collaboration in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The agreements were signed by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the universities’ leaders, Prof. Steve Olivier of RGU and Prof. Sir Jim McDonald of Strathclyde.
A statement issued in Abuja by Nneamaka Okafor, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, described the MoUs as a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, aligning local capacity with global best practices. The partnership will establish a framework for academic exchange and technology transfer, enhancing professional programs at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna, and enabling domestic training to meet the same global standards previously achieved abroad.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lokpobiri emphasized the government’s dedication to bringing global best practices to Nigeria’s hydrocarbons sector. “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,” he stated.
Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary of PTDF, also signed a partnership agreement with the universities, formalizing their roles in the collaboration. Aminu highlighted the long-standing relationship with both institutions, noting their role in hosting Nigeria’s foreign-sponsored scholars. He added, “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.”
The PTDF aims to enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through capacity building, training, and knowledge transfer. Aminu revealed that plans are underway to implement a governance structure for the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, which will begin its 2024/2025 academic session soon.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof. Olivier expressed his enthusiasm for the new phase of the partnership. “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,” he said.
Strathclyde’s Prof. McDonald added that the collaboration was a powerful example of how global partnerships can transform both education and industry. “Together, we are building a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector,” he remarked.
This initiative is a crucial part of PTDF’s reform agenda, focusing on localizing capacity building and fostering sustainable growth in the oil and gas industry. With the MoUs now in effect, the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna is set to become a world-class center of excellence, contributing to Nigeria’s energy aspirations through cutting-edge education and research.
