The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun in Delta, has matriculated a total of 2,101 students in its 2025/2026 full time and School of Industrial and Continuous Education programmes.

Dr Samuel Onoji, the Principal and Chief Executive of the PTI, on Friday, administered the Institute's oaths on the new students.

The principal and chief executive was represented by Dr Tina Isichei, the Institute's Director, Research and Development.

In his address of welcome, Onoji rejoices with the matriculating students

for being part of the academic family of the foremost and specialised petroleum institution in sub-Saharan Africa.

Onoji emphasised that the oil and gas industry was very dynamic and highly demanding, stressing that it requires innovation, adaptation and resourcefulness to gain maximum benefit in the sector.

He said that PTI was a Centre of Excellence in the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria, declaring that the institute provides leadership, best practices, training and research for the petroleum industry.

Onoji assured the freshers that passing through the institute was an opportunity to penetrate the oil and gas industry in view of the technical and hands-on training they would be exposed to in the course of their studies.

The principal and chief executive disclosed that several organisations had sought collaborations with the PTI in recent times because of the institute's capability and effectiveness.

He highlighted some of the organisations to include: Laser Engineering, Ioda Energy, Indora Petrochemicals and among others.

"This matriculation ceremony officially ushers you into this citadel of academic excellence. I rejoice with you for being one of the students that were offered administration into this great institute.

"The decisions you make today and the actions you take will determine who you will become tomorrow, therefore, be determined and focused.

"Be resilient and disciplined, sometimes, there may be pressure in the course of your study, do not give up because whatever goes up must come down.

"Do not allow today’s issue to deprive you of the glorious future ahead. In spite of any challenge, keep moving," he advised.

Onoji urged the students to embrace the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)

programme of the federal government to help ease their financial burdens particularly the less privileged.

He urged the students to acquaint themselves with the students hand book of the institute and obey the rules and regulations.

Onoji said that PTI had zero tolerance for examination misconduct; physical and sexual assault; cultism; use of drugs; theft; narcotics; robbery; indecent dressing and prostitution; stealing and certificate forgeries among others.

He, therefore, urged the students to conduct themselves and uphold the highest standards of behavior throughout their stay in the institute.

The PTI boss also urged the students to always follow the proper channels of communication in reporting their grievances.

He advised the students to familiarise themselves with the new trends and development in fossil fuel and renewables by way of enrolling for other certificate programmes.

He further advised the students to leverage on digital tools like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoTs), data analytics, robotics, machine learning among others.

He said that the essence was to broaden their knowledge, improve competencies and capabilities and by implications further boost their employability in the ever dynamic oil and gas industry.