Abuja: The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has inaugurated a committee to review policies, curricula, and industry integration at its skills centre. PTDF Executive Secretary, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, inaugurated the committee on Thursday to accelerate the full operationalisation of the Centre. Aliyu stated that this initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce for the oil, gas, and wider energy sectors. The committee will focus on reviewing the centre’s systems and operations, identifying gaps, and recommending measures for optimal utilisation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Centre for Skills Development and Training (CSDT) in Port Harcourt was established following findings from a PTDF skills audit. This audit highlighted significant shortages of qualified technical manpower, particularly in technical and middle-level occupations across the oil and gas industry. ‘The centre is designed to provide competency-based vocational training and internationally recognised certifications for technicians,’ stated Aliyu. He further noted that the centre is 98 per cent complete, with facilities including an administrative building, auditorium, library, hostels, staff quarters, a canteen, and infrastructure for power and water.
Aliyu also mentioned that the centre has been utilised for activities under PTDF’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme and In-Country Scholarship Scheme, hosting various training programmes. The committee’s terms of reference include developing an operational policy and management framework for the Centre, as well as designing competency-based curricula aligned with industry requirements. The committee will also establish training, assessment, and certification systems, along with pathways for internships, apprenticeships, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Prof. Emmanuel Kachikwu pledged to deliver a comprehensive review and operationalisation framework. Kachikwu emphasized that skills development is essential to economic growth and Africa’s effective participation in the global energy transition. Other committee members include Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) Chairman, Mr Christopher Osarunwense, a representative of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr Folorunsho Akande, Green Energy International Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Mr Festus Osifo.