By Peter Omopo
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has announced that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), owned by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is nearing full completion and will soon be inaugurated.
Ekpo gave the update on Friday during an inspection tour of the college located along the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, behind the Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex. He noted that the facility has reached 90 percent completion, with final touches expected to be concluded in the coming days.
“This project was at about 60 percent completion when this administration came in. Today, it is at 90 percent. The remaining work can be wrapped up within a few days,” the Minister said.
The project, which had been stalled for over 15 years, has seen rapid progress under the current leadership of the PTDF. The fund’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Galadima Aminu, had earlier projected that the college would be commissioned by June or July 2025, emphasizing the institution’s role in building a robust and skilled workforce for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
During his visit, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure at the college, including a modern international conference centre, student hostels, an e-library, and a power house.
“This place is of world-class standard,” Ekpo said. “The international conference centre and library give me hope that Nigeria is on the right path. This facility can even host international events, attracting revenue and showcasing Nigeria’s potential.”
He commended the PTDF Executive Secretary for fast-tracking the completion and maintaining high standards.
Ekpo also emphasized the need for the institution to align with global energy transition goals. He advised the college to reduce its reliance on diesel and explore cleaner energy sources such as gas and solar.
“As we embrace energy transition, we must move away from diesel and adopt gas and solar power,” he said. “I urge the PTDF to collaborate with the Energy Commission and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to explore solar solutions for the college.”
The Minister further highlighted the strategic importance of the institution’s proposed split-site PhD program, which he said would help conserve foreign exchange and develop homegrown expertise for Nigeria’s energy sector.
