PTI Hosts OGTAN as Both Bodies Chart New Course for Energy Sector Capacity Building
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, recently played host to the leadership of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as both institutions commenced strategic discussions aimed at redefining human capital development and capacity building within Nigeria's oil, gas, and emerging energy sectors.
The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders from both organizations who explored innovative pathways for strengthening workforce development, professional training, and industry competitiveness in line with global best practices and Nigeria's energy transition aspirations.
Speaking during the visit, the President of OGTAN, Mr. Chris Osarumwense, expressed appreciation to the management of PTI for the warm reception accorded his delegation. He noted that the visit was primarily focused on deepening the already existing relationship between OGTAN and PTI while exploring new opportunities for collaboration that would positively impact the nation's energy industry.
According to Osarumwense, OGTAN remains fully committed to advancing quality assurance and training excellence across the sector. He disclosed that the association enjoys the support of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and continues to play a pivotal role in accrediting training centres, maintaining standards, and promoting globally recognized certifications for industry professionals.
He lamented the huge financial resources expended annually by Nigerians in pursuit of foreign certifications and stressed the need to strengthen indigenous certification systems capable of delivering internationally accepted qualifications. He maintained that Nigerian training institutions possess the expertise and capacity to provide world-class professional development programmes that can compete favorably with global standards.
As part of efforts to advance this vision, the OGTAN President announced plans for a major Human Capital Development Conference and Exhibition scheduled to take place at PTI, Effurun, from August 25 to 27, 2026. The conference is expected to attract between 350 and 500 delegates drawn from across the oil and gas value chain, including regulators, operators, service providers, training institutions, and policymakers.
Osarumwense further proposed a review and expansion of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PTI and OGTAN. He also advocated the establishment of a Joint Working Committee that would identify strategic areas of mutual interest and develop practical frameworks for implementing agreed objectives.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing the growing manpower demands of Nigeria's rapidly evolving energy sector. He highlighted PTI's extensive training infrastructure, technical expertise, and research capabilities, describing the institute as a natural partner for OGTAN's human capital development initiatives.
A concept note presented during the meeting outlined several areas of collaboration, including joint certification programmes, technical and vocational skills development, digital transformation projects, energy transition training, research and development initiatives, and the proposed establishment of an OGTAN-PTI Centre of Excellence for Human Capital Development.
The proposed partnership also seeks to promote graduate employability through internship opportunities, mentorship schemes, stakeholder engagement forums, and internationally accredited training programmes. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly strengthen local content development while enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigeria's energy workforce.
Speaking further, OGTAN delegate Mr. Joe Oduah described the forthcoming conference as Nigeria's premier platform for human capital development in the oil and gas industry. He revealed that the event would feature ministerial keynote addresses, executive leadership sessions, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and strategic policy discussions aimed at shaping the future of workforce development in the nation's energy sector.
Observers believe that the renewed partnership between PTI and OGTAN marks a significant step toward building a sustainable framework for training excellence, innovation, and capacity development, positioning Nigeria to produce a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of the global energy industry.
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