Nigeria Launches Split-Site PhD for Oil and Gas Experts

The Nigerian Federal Government has officially launched its first split-site PhD program aimed at developing local expertise in the oil and gas sector. The program, initiated by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), commenced with the induction of 43 scholars at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK) in Kaduna.

This innovative model combines local academic training with international exposure, allowing scholars to study partly in Nigeria and partly at partner institutions in the United Kingdom, including the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth. The program is a result of a strategic shift towards enhancing local capacity in the energy sector, which has historically relied on overseas training.

The PTDF received a total of 3,702 applications for this program, emphasizing its competitive nature. The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria's position in energy education and research, aligning with the government's broader vision for the sector.