Kaduna:The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is seeking a partnership with the United Kingdom to enhance split-site postgraduate programs between General Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Geological Science and Engineering Technology and UK academic institutions. This proposal was made by Prof. Shu’aibu Aliyu, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, during a visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria at the university in Kaduna.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aliyu emphasized that the collaboration would provide Nigerian and other African scholars with the opportunity to obtain internationally recognized qualifications while studying in Kaduna. The initiative aims to expand access to world-class education at an optimized cost and includes exchange programs where UK academics and industry experts would participate in teaching and research residencies in Kaduna.
Aliyu highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership, such as exposing researchers to advanced laboratories and research centers in the UK. The university is poised to lead research in areas like cleaner fossil fuel technologies, hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy, and solar integration. Partnerships with UK research institutions could help develop solutions tailored to Africa’s specific energy transition pathways.
The Executive Secretary noted that the partnership is mutually beneficial, offering UK universities and energy technology companies access to African markets and talent. Additionally, he called for the UK government to create a monitoring framework for Nigerian scholars in the UK, addressing challenges like high tuition fees and visa rejections.
British High Commissioner Pete Vowles reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to providing high-quality education in partnership with the PTDF. He assured that the concerns raised would be communicated to relevant UK stakeholders and highlighted the collaboration between the PTDF and the British High Commission to facilitate educational opportunities for Nigerian scholars.
Vowles reiterated the UK’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with the PTDF, aiming to expand educational opportunities for Nigerian scholars and fostering mutual understanding and resource utilization between both countries.