RGU and PTDF aim to strengthen partnership started 25 years ago

RGU’s commercial subsidiary, Univation, managed the scholarship scheme on PTDF’s behalf for all participating UK universities. Since then, we have welcomed Nigerian students sponsored by PTDF on an annual basis to RGU and over 400 students’ scholars over this period.

The Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo was joined by Ahmed Galadima Aminu, Executive Secretary and Rabiah Waziri Adamu, General Manager, Education and Training Department from PTDF.

He met with PTDF scholars studying at RGU and the University of Aberdeen, as well as four split-site students who began their studies in March 2026 as well as staff from the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Energy Transition Institute and The Graduate School.

The Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said: “This visit is not merely ceremonial, it is strategic. It reflects our shared commitment to building human capacity and strengthening institutional linkages that will shape the future of the global energy landscape.”

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, said: “Partnerships are important to us, and this one goes back to 2001 when we were chosen to pilot PTDF’s programme. We know partnerships are not static and we want this one to continue to grow.”

The PTDF overseas Scholarship Scheme is an annual programme for MSc and PhD studies. The purpose is to provide Nigerian students with the intellectual foundation and skill set that will enable them to participate actively in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry at the conclusion of their studies. The sponsorship duration is between twelve and twenty-four months for MSc, and thirty-six months for PhD.