The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has proposed partnering with the UK to expand split-site postgraduate programmes between General Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Geological Science and Engineering Technology and UK academic institutions.
Prof. Shu’aibu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of PTDF, made this proposal on Tuesday during the British High Commissioner’s visit to the university in Kaduna.
Aliyu stated that the partnership would allow Nigerian and other African scholars to earn internationally recognised qualifications while studying in Kaduna.
He added that the initiative would significantly expand access to world-class education at a reduced cost.
The Executive Secretary said the university envisions exchange programmes in which UK academics and industry experts would conduct teaching and research residencies in Kaduna.
He explained that this would provide researchers with access to advanced laboratories and research centres in the UK. He said the university was well positioned to lead research in cleaner fossil fuel technologies, hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy and solar integration.
According to him, partnerships with UK research institutions will help both countries develop solutions tailored to Africa’s specific energy transition needs.
“This partnership is mutually beneficial for UK universities and energy technology companies. The university provides a gateway to the African energy market.
“It also offers direct access to top African talent and a real-world testing environment for energy technologies in emerging markets. The university is positioned to lead research in cleaner fossil fuel technology, hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy and solar integration.
“Partnering with UK research bodies will allow us to co-develop solutions for Africa’s specific energy transition pathways,” he saiAliyu said. President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to transform the university from a physical asset into a thriving, world-class institution for learning, applied research, and energy innovation. He also encouraged the UK government to establish a monitoring framework for Nigerian scholars studying in the UK, with support from host universities. ies.
“We are facing several challenges with our UK partners that require the High Commissioner’s attention.
“These include high tuition fees compared to other European countries and visa rejections,” he said.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Pete Vowles, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to providing high-quality, world-class education in partnership with the PTDF. Vowles stated that UK universities are equally committed to maintaining high standards of academic excellence.
He assured the PTDF that he would communicate the concerns raised by its Executive Secretary to the relevant stakeholders in the UK. The commissioner also acknowledged the collaboration between the PTDF and the British High Commission in Nigeria, particularly their joint efforts to streamline and simplify processes for Nigerian scholars seeking educational opportunities in the UK.
He noted that recognising the PTDF as a government-approved sponsor demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to the partnership.
Vowles reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the PTDF and expanding opportunities for Nigerian scholars to access world-class education. “I reaffirm our commitment to engaging with you and strengthening our partnership with your institution. y “We will continue to explore ways to ensure that talented Nigerian scholars can access the UK’s world-class educational opportunities. nal opportunities.
“I hope this partnership will remain mutually beneficial, enabling us to learn from one another, deepen our mutual understanding, and make the most of our natural resources together,” he said.
