PTDF Challenges Nigerian Universities to Boost Energy Research, Innovation
By Akin Alade
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has challenged Nigerian universities to move beyond conventional academic research and take greater advantage of available funding and capacity-development opportunities to produce solutions capable of addressing emerging challenges in the nation’s petroleum and energy industry.
The Fund said strengthening the relationship between academia, research institutions and the energy industry has become increasingly important as technological changes reshape petroleum exploration, energy development and the global transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
PTDF Executive Secretary, Prof. Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, made the call during a workshop organised under the PTDF Professorial Chair on Petroleum Geology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Aliyu, who was represented by PTDF Director of Research and Development, Mrs Favour Adaure-Prince, said the Fund would continue investing in human capital, research and innovation as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous technological capacity.
The workshop focused on modern geophysical technologies for petroleum and energy exploration, an area PTDF considers critical to developing the technical expertise required by Nigeria’s evolving energy industry.
According to the Executive Secretary, the increasing deployment of modern geophysical technologies in petroleum and energy exploration makes continuous training, knowledge development and exposure to emerging technologies imperative for Nigerian researchers and professionals.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the programme by acquiring new knowledge, exchanging ideas and applying what they learn to research, teaching and practical industry challenges.
PTDF also reaffirmed its readiness to sustain partnerships with Nigerian universities through initiatives such as its Professorial Chairs, which are designed to strengthen specialised knowledge, research capabilities and expertise within tertiary institutions.
Aliyu stressed that stronger collaboration between PTDF and universities would help Nigeria develop the pool of technical professionals and researchers required to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in petroleum and energy.
Speaking at the programme, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya, described petroleum geology research as an important component of Nigeria’s economic and technological development.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Michael Onyia, Ortuanya said research in petroleum geology has implications beyond oil and gas exploration, including groundwater resource development and environmental management.
He said the workshop would provide researchers and other participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, establish collaborations and strengthen research capable of contributing to national development.
The PTDF Professorial Chair, Prof. Olusola Ojo, also emphasised the importance of continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration as technological developments continue to transform the energy industry.
Ojo said researchers must continually acquire new skills and familiarise themselves with emerging technologies and methodologies to remain relevant and contribute meaningfully to solving industry problems.
PTDF’s renewed push comes amid wider calls for Nigerian universities to bridge the gap between academic research and practical national development by producing innovations that can be adopted by industry.
The Fund’s position signals an increasing emphasis on building homegrown expertise capable of reducing technological dependence while positioning Nigerian researchers and professionals to play stronger roles in the changing global energy landscape.
