Abuja: The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has sought the assistance of the Nigerian Army to enhance security for its College of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna and the Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt. During a courtesy visit to the PTDF headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Shu’aibu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of PTDF, addressed this request to Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, and his delegation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aliyu emphasized the significance of these facilities as national investments in specialised education, technical training, and capacity development. He proposed a security collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the two centres, which would ensure rapid response during emergencies and provide enhanced protection for the facilities, their staff, students, and trainees. The collaboration is deemed crucial due to the centres’ strategic role in developing specialised skills for Nigeria’s oil, gas, and energy sectors.
Aliyu highlighted the importance of the Chief of Army Staff’s visit as a step toward strengthening institutional cooperation in education, ICT development, and the protection of strategic national training infrastructure. He assured the Army leadership of PTDF’s readiness to explore areas of collaboration that align with its mandate and benefit Nigeria.
Further, Aliyu expressed gratitude for the Nigerian Army’s efforts in maintaining Nigeria’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity. He noted PTDF’s ongoing partnerships with the military, including the sponsorship of scholars at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, under the PTDF In-Country Scholarship Scheme, and support for Government Day Secondary School, Army Barracks, Yola, Adamawa, through the PTDF STEM Programme.
In response, Chief of Army Staff Shaibu called for stronger collaboration to bolster the military’s capacity to address emerging security challenges. He praised PTDF’s past support for the professional development of Army personnel and expressed interest in developing expertise in unmanned aerial systems and drone technology. He emphasized the importance of creating a skilled workforce to contribute to Nigeria’s indigenous capacity for unmanned aerial systems development.
Shaibu also sought continued support for upgrading Command Secondary Schools, underscoring their role in the welfare of military personnel and their families. He commended PTDF’s support for Command Secondary Schools in Yola and urged for further assistance to additional schools. Increased investment in education, training, and technology, he noted, could reduce the need for sending personnel abroad for specialized training while enhancing domestic expertise.