The Petroleum Technology Development Fund says the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Science and Engineering Technology in Kaduna will help Nigeria develop specialised energy skills locally and reduce dependence on overseas training.
PTDF Executive Secretary Shehu Aliyu said the institution was being positioned to support the Federal Government’s long term economic growth agenda by expanding technical education, research and innovation.
He said the university, together with the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, would help build a workforce capable of supporting major energy and infrastructure projects.
Programmes are expected to reflect emerging needs in petroleum, gas, engineering and related sectors.
Aliyu cited projects such as the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano Gas Pipeline, UTM Floating LNG, the proposed Trans Saharan Gas Pipeline and several offshore and gas developments as areas requiring advanced technical capacity.
PTDF is also implementing a split site doctoral programme that allows scholars to complete part of their studies in Nigeria and the remainder at partner universities abroad.
The agency said the model would maintain international academic standards while reducing foreign exchange spent on full overseas programmes.
The university is also expanding digital systems and partnerships with industry and international energy organisations.
Its Governing Council has established an academic review committee led by Farouk Ibrahim to assess the institution’s programmes, infrastructure, governance, research facilities and future direction.
The committee is expected to recommend how the university can better respond to Nigeria’s development priorities and the changing global energy environment.
Ibrahim said Africa needed stronger local capacity in technology, financing and energy development as the global transition gathers pace.
