PTDF saves foreign exchange with induction of 43 pioneer CPESK scholars
With the induction of the 43 pioneer scholars of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PDTF) has save the cost of foreign
- By John Ofikhenua, Abuja
With the induction of the 43 pioneer scholars of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PDTF) has save the cost of foreign exchange, visa fees and flight tickets.
PTDF Executive Secretary, Dr. Galadima Aminu broke the news at the induction ceremony at the college in Kaduna.
He said the in-country training in the college will afford PTDF the opportunity to train more scholars.
He added that it will culminate in capacity building and employment generation.
His words: "We pay them allowances in local currency. It is huge savings for us. We all know the exchange of Naira to dollar, pounds now. We don't pay for their tickets, visas. We don't pay for their allowances. And also we can train more numbers. We also build capacities of Nigerians and generate employment."
He recalled that the scholars were sifted out of the 3,702 applications received following the May 2025 admission advert.
Aminu added that 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 revealed that under the innovative arrangement, students will benefit from strong local academic mentorship, alongside direct exposure to some of the finest institutions in the United Kingdom—the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth.
On the admission process, Aminu recalled that "In May 2025, the PTDF advertised the Split-Site PhD programme in the national dailies, and a total of 3,702 applications were received. Following a thorough process of screening, shortlisting, and merit-based assessment, 43 of you seated here today were successful and have been awarded the full PTDF scholarship."
To the scholars, the PTDF boss urged the scholars to recognise the significance of this opportunity.
He said the program is not merely to obtain a degree, describing the students as ambassadors of the CPESK vision that seeks to build a new generation of highly skilled, globally competitive, and ethically grounded professionals who will drive Nigeria’s energy future.
He insisted they are expected to demonstrate discipline, commitment, and a strong pursuit of excellence.
Aminu urged the scholars to ensure that their knowledge and skills from the program translate into meaningful contributions to the building of the nation's energy sector.
Speaking, the National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof Abdullahi Ribadu described the infrastructure in the college as comparable to the global best.
In his earlier remarks, he said the establishment of CPESK marks a significant step in translating that effort into a permanent platform for postgraduate training and research within Nigeria.
The College, he said, will strengthen local expertise, reduce reliance on external training, and maintain global standards through its transnational partnerships.
Ribadu said the NUC is particularly pleased with its long-standing rel,relationship with the PTDF.
He said the recent licence granted for the establishment of CPESK as a private university reflects the strength of this collaboration.
According to him, it demonstrates a clear commitment to building enduring capacity within Nigeria while aligning with international best practice.
One of the beneficiaries, Hauwa Bappah Dukku, said the program was an opportunity to provide innovative solutions to the issues in Nigeria.
Similarly, one of the scholars Chukwudi Innocent Nweze said the program would afford him the opportunity for a meaningful research impact for the development of the oil and gas sector.
