Federal goverment, UK varsities sign MoU to boost knowledge, tech transfer.

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, to foster collaboration, information exchange, and technology transfer in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The agreement, signed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the universities’ principals—Prof. Steve Olivier of RGU and Prof. Sir Jim McDonald of Strathclyde—mark a significant milestone in advancing local capacity in line with global best practices.

The signing ceremonies took place on Wednesday in Aberdeen and Glasgow, according to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor.

Strengthening academic programmes

The agreement sets out a framework for academic exchange and technology transfer to enhance professional programs at the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Kaduna.

This initiative aims to provide domestic training at the same global standards previously achieved abroad.

Speaking at the event, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the partnership’s significance, stating:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between global best practices and local capacity.

“By bringing these knowledge transfer programs home, we are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining oil and gas sector driven by highly skilled Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Aminu, signed a partnership agreement with both universities to formalise their roles in the collaboration.

Aminu said: “Robert Gordon University and the University of Strathclyde have been dependable partners over the years, hosting our foreign-sponsored scholars.

“With these agreements, we are strategically bringing those experiences and expertise home to not only develop in-country capacity but also increase opportunities for more Nigerians to benefit from the PTDF scholarship scheme.”

RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olivier expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

He said, “We are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with PTDF, now extending our expertise directly to Nigeria.

“This partnership will ensure that the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies becomes a hub for innovation and excellence.”

Prof. Sir Jim McDonald of Strathclyde echoed this sentiment, stating: “This collaboration is a testament to the power of global partnerships in transforming education and industry. Together, we are building a brighter future for Nigeria’s energy sector.”

According to the release, the initiative is a key part of PTDF’s reform agenda, focusing on localising capacity building and fostering sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.

With the agreements now in place, the College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna, is poised to become a world-class centre of excellence, supporting Nigeria’s energy ambitions through cutting-edge education and research.