The long-awaited College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), owned by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is now 90% complete and ready for commissioning, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.
The Minister, who visited the facility on Friday along Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, expressed satisfaction with the college’s progress and praised its world-class facilities. “What I’ve seen here gives me hope. This is a global standard institution,” he said.
The college, first proposed over 15 years ago, had seen slow progress until recent leadership at PTDF fast-tracked its development. Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, confirmed that the college is expected to be officially opened by June or July 2025, with academic activities starting this year.
The college is designed to train skilled professionals for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. It boasts modern facilities including a 500-seat International Conference Centre, 240 hotel rooms, an e-library, student hostels, and sporting facilities on 86 hectares of land.
Aminu noted that strategic partnerships have been formed with international universities such as the University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Portsmouth. These will support a split-site PhD program, where students will mostly study in Nigeria and spend short periods in the UK.
“We’ve already received over 500 applications for the PhD program,” Aminu added.
Minister Ekpo encouraged the college to embrace clean energy by shifting from diesel to gas and solar power. He advised PTDF to collaborate with the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency to support this move.
“This project is a clear example of local content development. By training experts locally, we reduce capital flight and retain skills within the country,” the minister said.
The college will also work closely with NNPC Limited through the NNPC Academy to provide technical training and professional development.
With commissioning around the corner, stakeholders hope CPESK will play a key role in shaping Nigeria’s energy future and reducing dependency on foreign training.
