By Atoyebi Nike
May 16, 2025
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has declared the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), ready for inauguration following a facility inspection on Friday. The college, owned by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is situated along the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, behind the Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex.
During the inspection, Ekpo noted that construction had reached 90 percent completion and that outstanding work could be finalised within days. “I want to believe maybe you met this place about at the rate of 60 percent or thereabout, but today, it is up to 90 percent. The remaining one can be concluded within the next few days,” he said.
The long-delayed project—left incomplete for over 15 years—is now nearing completion under the renewed leadership of the PTDF. In February 2025, PTDF Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Galadima Aminu, expressed confidence that the college would be commissioned by mid-2025, aligning with efforts to boost Nigeria’s oil and gas talent pipeline.
After touring the premises, the Minister commended the quality and readiness of the infrastructure, which includes student hostels, a powerhouse, a 500-seat international conference centre, an e-library, and other essential facilities. “I am impressed with what I have seen. Seeing is believing,” he remarked.
Ekpo praised the institution’s alignment with global standards and its potential to serve as a hub for energy transition research and development. “This place is world standard. The international conference centre and the library give me hope that Nigeria is heading somewhere,” he said, noting that the facilities are capable of hosting international events and generating revenue.
As Nigeria embraces a global shift towards cleaner energy, Ekpo stressed the importance of reducing diesel use in favour of gas and solar alternatives. He urged the college to collaborate with the Energy Commission and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to incorporate renewable energy solutions. “Under this energy transition, we should play down on utilization of diesel and move into gas,” he stated.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of local content development, noting that CPESK’s innovative split-site PhD program will reduce capital flight and build a more competent domestic workforce. “We develop people here that will be able to handle the critical sectors. This will curtail capital flight for the good of Nigerians,” he added.
Ekpo called for an expedited commissioning of the institution to enable it to commence academic operations this year. “I want us to continue and make sure this place is commissioned by Mr. President very soon so that we start academic activities by 2025 to add value to our country.”
In his welcome address, PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, confirmed that CPESK is prepared to welcome its first cohort of students. The 86-hectare campus features purpose-built facilities for management, technology, and graduate programs, with amenities such as sports complexes, religious centres, and residential services.
Aminu also outlined international partnerships with the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth, which will enable students to participate in split-site postgraduate programs, combining studies in Nigeria with brief overseas sessions.
In partnership with NNPC Limited through the NNPC Academy, CPESK will also offer industry-based training across multiple disciplines including Continuing Professional Development, Talent Management, and Technical and Vocational Training.
Aminu revealed that 531 applications have already been received for the PTDF’s ongoing split-site PhD scholarship programme. “The first cohort of students will be admitted at CPESK in the coming weeks,” he confirmed.
