By EMMANUELLA ANOKAM

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has officially commenced its Ph.D Split-Site programme at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK), Kaduna, inducting 43 candidates for full scholarship.

This marks a significant milestone in the Fund’s continued commitment to building world-class human capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, through strategic academic partnerships and advanced research training.

Speaking at the flag-off on Wednesday, in Kaduna, Mr Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary, PTDF said CPESK was positioned to domesticate PTDF’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme, bringing global-standard education closer to Nigerian scholars.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the split-site model, being implemented as a pilot programme of CPESK is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

It brings world-class international university education directly to scholars within Nigeria.

Under this arrangement, students will receive academic training both locally and internationally, combining mentorship at CPESK with exposure to leading UK institutions such as Universities of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon and Portsmouth.

The scholars are expected to spend two years in College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna and one year in the universities abroad for research, then return successfully to Nigeria at the end of the studies.

The PTDF boss said that the programme attracted 3,702 applications when the split-site Ph.D programme was advertised in May 2025.

“Following a thorough process of screening, shortlisting, and merit-based assessment, 43 of the candidates were successful and have been awarded the full PTDF scholarship.

“In addition, the Fund conducted a careful selection of academic advisors drawn from universities within the country.

“Following a comprehensive evaluation, 43 advisors, mostly PTDF ex-scholars with relevant expertise and strong track records were selected to provide continuous academic support to students throughout their studies,” he said.

Aminu said that the establishment of CPESK represented years of planning, investment and collaboration aimed at building a world-class centre for advanced energy education.

According to him, the college, conceived in 2009, has evolved into a specialised postgraduate institution designed to deliver high-level training and research in petroleum and energy studies.

He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support in bringing the project to fruition.

He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo for their support.

Aminu acknowledged the contributions of the National Universities Commission, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and other partners and stakeholders.

Addressing the beneficiaries, he urged them to see the opportunity as more than just an academic pursuit.

He described them as ambassadors of a vision aimed at producing globally competitive and ethically grounded professionals for Nigeria’s energy future.

He emphasised the need for discipline, commitment, and excellence, noting that the knowledge gained should translate into tangible contributions to the development of the nation’s energy sector.

The General Manager, Legal, PTDF, Mohammed Taminu, in an overview of the programme, exposed the scholars to the bond and legal issues bordering it.

Speaking with NAN, some of the scholars expressed satisfaction and excitement at meriting the scholarship after a rigorous selection process in fulfilment of their careers.

Ms Hauwa Dukku, a Chemical Engineer, with Masters in Sustainability Engineering, said the scholarship would assist her to do her Ph.D in Green Hydrogen to gain outstanding knowledge in UK universities.

“My research area is focused on using renewable energy to produce green hydrogen.

“The programme will enable me to contribute to sustainability in the country and innovative solutions to the oil and gas industry,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Chukwudi Nweke, a petroleum engineer, whose area of specialty and research based is gas flare detection, described the scholarship as a career boost.

Nweke said that it would enable him make a meaningful research impact in Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“Gas flaring has been a major challenge to the global economy based on the greenhouse gas emissions.

“With my research study which is centred on optimising this gas, PTDF will hit a major milestone in oil and gas flare reduction,” he said. (NAN)