The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has proposed a partnership with the UK to expand split-site postgraduate programmes between General Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Geological Science and Engineering Technology and UK academic institutions.
Prof. Shu’aibu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of the PTDF, made the proposal on Tuesday during a visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria to the university in Kaduna.
Aliyu said the partnership would enable Nigerian and other African scholars to obtain internationally recognised qualifications while studying in Kaduna.
He said that the initiative would significantly expand access to world-class education at an optimised cost.
The Executive Secretary said the university envisioned exchange programmes under which UK academics and industry experts would undertake teaching and research residencies in Kaduna.
He said it would enable researchers gain exposure to advanced laboratories and research centres in the UK.
He said the university was well positioned to lead research in cleaner fossil fuel technologies, hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy and solar integration.
According to him, partnerships with UK research institutions will enable both countries to develop solutions tailored to Africa’s specific energy transition pathways.
“This partnership is a two-way street for UK universities and energy technology companies. The university offers a gateway into the African energy market.
“It also offers direct access to top-tier African talent and a live testing ground for energy technologies in emerging markets.
“The university is positioned to lead research in cleaner fossil fuel technology, hydrogen, carbon capture, geothermal energy and solar integration.
“Partnering with UK research bodies will enable us to co-develop solutions to Africa’s specific energy transition pathways,” he said.
Aliyu said the administration of President Bola Tinubu aimed to transform the university from a physical asset into a thriving, world class institution for learning, applied research and energy innovation.
He also urged the UK government to develop a monitoring framework for Nigerian scholars studying in the country, with support from host universities.
“There are several challenges we are facing with our UK partners that require the High Commissioner’s attention.
“These include high tuition fees compared with other European countries and visa rejections,” he said.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Pete Vowles, while responding reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to providing high quality, world class education in partnership with the PTDF.
Vowles said UK universities were equally committed to maintaining high standards of academic excellence.
He assured the PTDF that the concerns raised by its Executive Secretary would be communicated to the relevant stakeholders within the UK system.
The commissioner also acknowledged the collaboration between the PTDF and the British High Commission in Nigeria, particularly their joint efforts to streamline and simplify processes for Nigerian scholars seeking educational opportunities in the UK.
He said the recognition of the PTDF as a government-approved sponsor demonstrated the UK government’s commitment to the partnership.
Vowles reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the PTDF and expanding opportunities for Nigerian scholars to access world-class education.
“I reaffirm our commitment to engaging with you and strengthening our partnership with your institution.
“We will continue to explore ways to ensure that talented Nigerian scholars can access the UK’s world-class educational opportunities.
“I hope this partnership will remain mutually beneficial, enabling us to learn from one another, deepen our mutual understanding and make the most of our natural resources together,” he said. (NAN)
