A move aimed at strengthening academic and industry ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Loughborough University, one of the UK’s top-ranked institutions, has entered discussions with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to broaden scholarship offerings for Nigerian students in energy-related fields.
The engagement was revealed during a high-level press briefing held in Abuja, where representatives from the university expressed a desire to forge a long-term strategic partnership with Nigeria through the PTDF. This development underscores a shared commitment to advancing academic excellence, capacity development, and inclusive access to global education.
Speaking at the event, Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at Loughborough University, emphasized the importance of aligning the university’s academic efforts with Nigeria’s critical workforce needs in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
“We’re not here for just a year. We’re committed to a sustainable relationship that makes long-term impact — not just for our institutions, but for the future of global energy and talent development,” Grogan said.
Grogan revealed that the collaboration would include full postgraduate scholarships, short-term training, and industry-linked academic programmes, tailored to build a strong skills pipeline for Nigeria’s energy transition. He noted that nearly half of Loughborough’s students benefit from industry placements, positioning them for global employability — an edge Nigerian scholars can leverage.
Loughborough University already boasts a successful history of Nigerian graduates who have achieved leadership roles. One such alumnus, a former PTDF scholar, currently lectures at the institution, while another now serves as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor at a Nigerian university. These success stories, Grogan stated, highlight the transformative power of global education when combined with local expertise.
Professor Amanda Daley, a leading academic in Behavioural Medicine, also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to equitable knowledge exchange with Africa. She pointed out that Nigerian students bring invaluable insights, particularly in tackling pressing issues such as non-communicable diseases, which are rising in both the UK and Nigeria.
Daley emphasized the need for joint health research collaborations, noting that the current health and climate realities call for a united global academic response.
Florence Mutero, Loughborough University’s Global Engagement Officer and former student, explained the affordability advantage of the institution’s Leicestershire campus, compared to more expensive UK cities. She disclosed that tuition ranges from £26,000 to £32,000 per annum, while living costs remain modest.
To support African students, the university offers:
20% Creating Better Futures tuition discount
African Development Scholarships
Global Impact Awards
Subject-specific and sports scholarships
Special scholarships for underrepresented groups, including Black students, women, and persons with disabilities.
“We understand the financial challenges students face. Our scholarships are designed not just to attract, but to empower,” Mutero said.
This engagement comes at a critical time, as the PTDF recently expressed concerns over the brain drain of Nigerian-trained scholars, especially in oil and gas, who opt to remain abroad due to limited job opportunities at home.
In response, the PTDF is intensifying its partnerships with both local and international oil and gas stakeholders to guarantee placements and reintegration of trained scholars into the Nigerian economy. The fund believes the Loughborough partnership will serve as a model for high-impact, industry-academic collaboration.
As Nigeria navigates a complex energy transition and rising youth unemployment, such partnerships offer a lifeline for human capital development. With Loughborough University’s strong industry orientation and PTDF’s strategic funding, more Nigerian students may soon access world-class education that directly contributes to national growth.