The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is expanding domestic training opportunities to reduce the cost of overseas education, strengthen Nigerian institutions and build a skilled workforce for the energy industry.

The Fund has sponsored nearly 15,000 Nigerians for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Nigeria and abroad. As of July 2026, 1,571 scholars were studying across 15 countries at more than 120 partner institutions.

PTDF Executive Secretary, Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, disclosed the figures during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, in Kaduna on Tuesday. He raised concerns about increasing tuition fees in the United Kingdom, visa rejections and the need for better monitoring of Nigerian scholars.

The Fund currently maintains partnerships with 24 UK universities, including the universities of Portsmouth, Strathclyde and Robert Gordon. It is also engaging institutions in Germany, France and Malaysia to identify more affordable training opportunities.

As part of efforts to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, PTDF introduced the Split-Site PhD Programme. The initiative allows scholars to complete part of their doctoral studies in Nigeria and the remainder at a partner university in the UK, combining local academic development with internationally recognised qualifications.

The Fund intends to expand the programme and introduce short executive courses that would allow Nigerian and other African students to obtain UK-recognised qualifications in Kaduna at lower costs.

Beyond its scholarship programmes, PTDF operates the Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, where technicians, artisans and craftsmen receive training in welding, fabrication, instrumentation and offshore safety.

The Fund also operates the General Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in Kaduna. The institution provides postgraduate programmes and supports research relevant to the energy sector.

Aliyu called for stronger collaboration with UK universities through academic exchanges, joint research and knowledge transfer. He identified hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy, solar power and cleaner fossil fuel technologies as potential areas for research cooperation.

He said expanding training opportunities within Nigeria would help reduce capital flight, improve the country’s technical capacity and position it as an exporter of skilled energy professionals.

In his response, Vowles acknowledged the concerns surrounding tuition fees and visa applications, stating that the British High Commission would communicate them to relevant UK stakeholders.

He added that PTDF’s recognition as a government-approved sponsor was expected to make the scholarship process smoother. However, no changes to tuition fees or visa rules were announced.

Aliyu also proposed establishing a Joint Working Group comprising PTDF officials, UK universities and industry stakeholders. The proposed group would strengthen accountability and assess the outcomes of collaboration between the parties.

Through expanded domestic training, technical skills development and international partnerships, PTDF aims to strengthen Nigerian institutions and develop the skilled workforce required to support the country’s energy industry.

Source: MSME Africa Online