I am impressed with what I have seen here. Kudos to the Executive Secretary and his team. From all indications, this place is ready for commissioning. We should not continue to delay any further – Minister Ekpo
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has announced that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna is fully prepared for commissioning. He made this disclosure on Friday during an inspection tour of the college’s facilities.
Speaking after the tour, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the level of development at the institution, describing the facilities as meeting international standards and capable of supporting advanced training and research, particularly in gas and energy studies.
“I am impressed with what I have seen here,” Ekpo said. “Kudos to the Executive Secretary and his team. From all indications, this place is ready for commissioning. We should not continue to delay any further.”
He emphasized the need for swift action in line with the priorities of the current administration, which aims to deliver on its promises and restore public confidence in national development projects. “Under the present administration, everything will be done with urgency. We are committed to restoring the hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised Nigerians since taking office,” he added.
Ekpo also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability in the operation of the college. He called on the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ahmed Galadima Aminu, as well as the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency, to explore avenues for integrating solar power into the college’s energy mix.
“Global warming is real, and we must begin to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by promoting clean energy alternatives. Providing solar energy to power this college will not only save the environment but also serve as an example of energy innovation,” the Minister said.
He further urged stakeholders to take ownership of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda, noting that the future of the country lies in the hands of its citizens. “We must be decisive in our actions. The destiny of this country is in our hands—no one else will do it for us. I’m truly impressed by the progress here. We will work to ensure that President Tinubu commissions this college soon, with the goal of commencing academic activities by 2025,” he concluded.
In his remarks, PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, said the college is envisioned as a key institution for the domestication of the PTDF’s capacity-building programs. He reiterated the commitment of the Fund to ensuring that the college plays a central role in training high-level manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.