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We’re Losing Our Investments, Best Brains To US, UK, Canada – PTDF

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, has lamented that a good number of students trained abroad through its scholarship scheme for studies/ researches in oil and gas sector have failed to return to Nigeria upon completion of studies.

The Head, Overseas Scholarship Scheme of PTDF, Mrs Bola Agboola, stated this in her keynote address tagged, “The Role and Impact of PTDF on Nigerian Students/Youths and our Institutions” during a one day PTDF students sensitization/capacity building program held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Thursday.

Agboola noted that due to lack or under employment by oil and gas companies many of the students that the PTDF sponsored chose to remain in Canada, US, Germany, China or any of the foreign countries where they would be readily employed with adequate payment.

She also said the PTDF has put measures in place to ensure that these students or beneficiaries are brought home upon completion of studies to help develop Nigerian economy and solve nagging problems in the society with the result of their researches.

Agboola who regretted that the alumni of the scheme are scattered across the world said PTDF is working to harness them for the benefit of the country, adding that over 8000 students have been sponsored since the inception of the scheme.

Her words, “We also have to harness our alumni, we have a lot of them scattered all over the world. How do we harness them for our own benefit and also improving recruitment and number of scholars of our product in the oil and gas industry, this is the major problem for us.

“We have trained over 8000 students and some of them after the training remain over there, all our investments are retained over there in the US, UK, Canada etc. Also there is a complaint that when they come back to Nigeria they don’t get a job, they are finding it difficult to be absorbed into the oil and gas industry. To that end, we need to create more cooperation and partnership with the oil and gas industry to ensure our people are employed in good positions.”

She pledged the Scheme’s 100 percent commitments to building indigenous capacity in the oil and gas sector even as she announced that PTDF is looking for different ways of generating funds as the licensing fees which is their major source of income was no longer sustainable for operations.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to president Bola Tinubu on students Engagement, Asefon Dayo commended the PTDF for their continued investment in education, training, and human capital development, particularly in oil and gas sector.

Dayo said the youths are ready to learn, lead and contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas industry and by extension, to the future of Nigeria but all they needed is to have access to opportunities.

According to him, “The oil and gas sector is no longer a space for only technical experts. It now demands a multi-disciplinary approach—involving engineers, policy analysts, digital innovators, environmental scientists, legal minds, and even community mobilizers. Our youth and students must be equipped with the tools not only to participate in this space but to innovate within it.”

Also speaking, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Oladoja Olushola urged the students to take the opportunity presented by PTDF with seriousness, curiosity, and a spirit of innovation. “You are not just beneficiaries-you are torchbearers for the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry and beyond.” He said.

Oladoja said NANS as a body would continue to advocate for more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable student-centered interventions to ensure that no student is left behind.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.