By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has entered into a partnership with OIDA Energy Nigeria Ltd., formerly Oildata Wireline Services, to enhance field and industry training for oil and gas professionals in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The agreement was signed on Monday after a delegation from OIDA Energy, led by its Team Service Manager, Engr. Sunday Adat, assessed PTI’s training facilities.
PTI Principal and Chief Executive, Dr. Samuel Onoji, recalled that the institute was established by the Federal Government in 1972 to train competent indigenous manpower for the oil and gas sector—a prerequisite for Nigeria’s admission into the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
He noted that the institute, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2022, continues to run National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and certificate programmes, in addition to bilateral agreements with other African countries and collaborations with international bodies.
Engr. Adat explained that the partnership with PTI was aimed at bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and field realities. “Trainees under this programme will gain hands-on exposure to industry-standard technologies and real-world problem-solving scenarios, ensuring they emerge as employment-ready candidates,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges graduates face due to limited field exposure but reassured that prospects remain bright for Nigerian oil and gas professionals despite divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs).
“Divestments such as Shell’s sale of its onshore and shallow-water assets to Renaissance, a consortium of Nigerian companies, have created opportunities for indigenous ownership, strengthening local capacity and resilience,” he added.
Adat stressed that the global energy transition offers Nigeria an opportunity to position itself as a hub for both hydrocarbons and renewables. “By focusing on efficiency, innovation, and sustainable practices, Nigeria can balance energy security with climate goals,” he said.
PTI’s Assistant Director of Training and Head of Linkages, Exchange and Partnerships, Dr. Sarah Nwinee, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.