A New Era Begins at PTDF's College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna

In a region frequently characterized by instability and missed opportunities, a quietly significant change is unfolding. On March 25, 2026, Nigeria launched its first split-site PhD program in oil and gas at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), established by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). This initiative symbolizes a hopeful investment in education, skill development, and long-term national advancements, emerging from the challenges of violence and poverty in Northern Nigeria. I feel privileged to serve as one of the initial advisors for this program.

Following the inauguration, I was left pondering: Could PTDF's split-site PhD model lead to the emergence of a local equivalent of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in energy? This innovative structure merges doctoral training with practical application. Participants are primarily based in Nigeria (CPESK) for two years, where they engage in literature reviews, conduct experiments, and attend seminars under the guidance of both local and international supervisors. Degrees are conferred through partnerships with UK institutions such as the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth, with additional universities likely joining later. Scholars can expect up to 12 months of international research exposure instead of complete relocation, making this effort a strategic initiative in capability development rather than just an academic endeavor.

For years, Nigeria's strategy for developing expertise in the oil and gas sector has heavily leaned on full overseas education. At one point, PTDF was the largest provider of postgraduate scholarships in the UK. While this strategy has effectively produced high-achieving graduates, it suffers from three major issues: it is prohibitively expensive, it risks brain drain, and it fails to bolster local institutional capacity. The split-site model takes steps to tackle these problems.

From a financial perspective, this shift is most welcome. Since its inception, PTDF has poured significant resources into overseas education, especially in the UK and Europe. Estimates suggest an average cost of about $55,000 per scholar, including tuition, living costs, and other benefits. Over a span of 15-20 years, this amounts to a staggering financial burden. Meanwhile, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocates approximately N100 million (around $69,000) per lecturer for overseas scholarships. In November 2025, this prior program was halted due to its unsustainable expenses and a high incidence of absconding. Although PTDF's investment has undeniably cultivated skilled professionals, much of the gained institutional benefit has favored foreign universities instead of strengthening local institutions.

The split-site model represents a pivotal shift for several reasons. Firstly, a greater portion of the funding is retained in Nigeria, with an estimated reduction of about 85% in costs. Secondly, local institutions like CPESK will begin to develop a research culture, infrastructure, and prestige. Thirdly, international exposure will become more focused and effective rather than overwhelmingly broad. This system is not merely innovative; it is much needed. By actively involving local experts, a culture of academic excellence can thrive at CPESK and similar Nigerian institutions.

Notably, the program's rigorous selection process deserves praise. According to Mr. Ahmed Aminu Galadima, PTDF's Executive Secretary, only 43 candidates were chosen from 3,702 applicants, yielding an acceptance rate of around 1.16%. For comparison, prestigious institutions like MIT have acceptance rates between 4-5%, while Harvard admits about 3-4%. Consequently, the PTDF split- site PhD initiative, at least for this inaugural group, proves to be more selective than some of the world's top universities.

This level of selectivity conveys a strong message: the program is based on merit, its standards align with global benchmarks, and the reputation of CPESK could rise swiftly if the quality remains high. I must note that one of my mentees possesses a solid foundation in knowledge and has already authored two academic papers. After our initial meeting with the UK supervisor, it's evident that there is considerable enthusiasm regarding the student’s preparation and drive.

Nigeria is not isolated in adopting this gradual approach to capacity building. Various countries have previously undertaken similar journeys. For instance, Malaysia initially depended on foreign doctoral training but eventually bolstered institutions like Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS through joint supervision programs, industry-linked research initiatives, and strategic global partnerships, becoming a regional leader in energy education. Similarly, Saudi Arabia transitioned from extensive overseas scholarships to local capacity-building efforts at institutions such as King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), which embraced global faculty, international research standards, and developed a local ecosystem of excellence. China's