The PTDF has mentioned that it is experiencing a loss of its human capital investments to the UK, US, and Canada.

The PTDF is an organization within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources tasked with enhancing capability development for the oil and gas sector.

Mrs. Bolanle Kehinde-Agboola, who leads the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) at PTDF, announced that up until now, 8,196 Nigerians have received benefits through both the Overseas and In-Country Scholarship Programs managed by the organization. She expressed concern over the fact that many scholarship recipients remain in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada because they cannot find jobs related to their field within Nigerian oil and gas firms. Addressing participants during a keynote speech titled “The Role and Impact of PTDF on Nigerian Students/Youths and Our Educational Institutes” at an educational awareness and capacity-building event for PTDF scholars held last Thursday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, she also highlighted new initiatives involving partnerships between the agency and local petroleum industry players aimed at enhancing opportunities for Nigerian youth.

She mentioned that the objective is to guarantee employment for students, particularly those who were educated abroad under their scholarship program, in crucial roles within these firms. The PTDF aims to address the long-term human resource needs of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by educating and training Nigerian citizens both domestically and internationally in pertinent areas like engineering, geosciences, environmental studies, management, information communication technology (ICT), and health and safety. A total of 8,196 individuals have benefited from the combined Overseas and In-Country Scholarship Programs. More than 8,000 trainees have been prepared through this initiative, with many choosing to stay abroad post-training.

We maintain all our investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and additional locations. Additionally, there is an issue where upon returning to Nigeria, individuals struggle to find employment and face difficulties being integrated into the oil and gas sector. Thus, we must foster greater collaboration and partnerships within this industry,” she emphasized. Kehinde-Agboola clarified that the program was initiated through Act No. 25 of 1973, superseding the Gulf Oil Company Training Fund Administration Act from 1964.

She mentioned that the PTDF took over all assets and duties from the former Gulf Oil Company Training Fund. The organization was established to offer educational opportunities and professional development for Nigerians within the oil sector. According to her, the program accepted individuals holding an SSCE with at least five passes, which must include English and Math. It also welcomed university graduates having achieved either a second-class upper division or a second-class lower classification, provided they had relevant work experience and were enrolled in a master’s program. Additionally, she noted that the initiative supported academic research initiatives throughout various institutions of higher learning nationwide.

Today, we gather at the University of Uyo with the aim of raising awareness among the student body about the operations of the PTDF. As an organization under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, its mission is to enhance capabilities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. PTDF achieves these goals through several initiatives: 1) First, fostering research and development as well as enhancing institutional capacities. 2) Second, promoting urban development alongside nurturing talent. 3) Lastly, focusing on human resource growth where specific programs like their scholarships come into play. These scholarships particularly attract many students who seek education in fields related to petroleum engineering abroad so they can bring back valuable insights gained internationally. Additionally, another critical challenge lies in leveraging our vast network of former beneficiaries—our alumni spread worldwide—to support current efforts. By doing so effectively, not only will we boost enrollment but also increase the pool of skilled professionals contributing positively towards advancements in the oil and gas field. She highlighted this issue as pivotal during her address.

On Sunday, Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated that students require access to education, guidance, and chances. He emphasized that the oil and gas industry now calls for a variety of skills beyond just technical expertise, including contributions from engineers, policy researchers, digital creators, ecological specialists, legal professionals, and community organizers. According to him, young people and students should receive the resources necessary not just to join this field but also to drive innovation within it.

The significance of the PTDF’s contribution to enhancing capability development is immense. By offering programs such as scholarships, training sessions, and collaborations with educational organizations, the PTDF is instrumental in establishing a solid base for future Nigerian experts who will introduce quality, accountability, and durability into this field and across Nigeria as a whole," he stated. Students from higher learning institutions within Akwa Ibom State expressed appreciation towards the PTDF for developing curricula tailored to address the prolonged human resource needs of the oil and gas sector. These courses encompass educating and instructing Nigerians both domestically and abroad in pertinent areas including engineering, geosciences, environmental science, business administration, information technology, along with healthcare and occupational safety.

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