Loughborough University, a top-ranking institution in the United Kingdom, has begun discussions with Nigeria’s Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to widen scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. The focus of this collaboration is on training in vital sectors such as oil, gas, and renewable energy, with the aim of building long-term capacity and improving Nigeria’s technical workforce.
The development was disclosed during a press briefing held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Senior representatives of the university, led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, Professor Sam Grogan, emphasized the university’s desire to build a lasting partnership with Nigeria through the PTDF scholarship framework.
Professor Grogan explained that the initiative would centre around capacity building and the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and future growth. According to him, the university’s approach is not to offer a one-time programme, but to engage in a long-term relationship that will yield sustainable benefits for both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“We’re not interested in being here for one year and not coming back. What we’re interested in is getting in for a long-term, sustainable relationship that actually makes a long-term difference to the world,” Grogan stated. He said the goal was to align the university’s programmes with Nigeria’s national development priorities, especially in energy-related fields.
He added that the university had already seen positive outcomes from previous Nigerian scholars. Among them is a former PTDF-sponsored graduate now employed at Loughborough University, and another alumnus who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at a Nigerian university.
Grogan noted that the current discussions include offering a mix of full scholarships, short-term training, and postgraduate opportunities for Nigerians. These will be designed to give students the academic background and practical skills needed to thrive in both global and local job markets.
He also pointed out that nearly 50 per cent of students at Loughborough take part in work placements during their studies. This model, he said, increases their employability and makes them more competitive on the international stage.
Another official of the university, Professor Amanda Daley, who heads a research centre at Loughborough, also spoke during the event. She noted that the university is committed to forming equitable partnerships with African nations. Daley emphasized that Nigerian students bring rich perspectives that help improve academic work and research at Loughborough.
She said that with rising cases of non-communicable diseases affecting both Nigeria and the UK, there is growing urgency for deeper collaboration in health research and knowledge exchange between institutions from both countries.
Loughborough University’s Global Engagement Officer, Ms. Florence Mutero, also addressed the press. A former student of the university, Mutero highlighted Loughborough’s global ranking—particularly its number one position in sports-related subjects—and its focus on combining academic excellence with real-world experience.
She added that tuition fees for international students typically range between £26,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on the programme. However, the cost of living in Leicestershire, where the university is located, is generally lower than in larger UK cities. This makes the university more affordable for African students.
To support African students, she said Loughborough offers several scholarships. These include a 20 per cent tuition discount under the “Creating Better Futures” scheme, the African Development Scholarship, the Global Impact Scholarship, and subject-specific as well as sports scholarships. According to her, students with strong talent in sports or underrepresented groups in technology, such as women, Black students, and people with disabilities, can also benefit from targeted funding.
The scholarship expansion discussions come at a time when PTDF has raised concerns about the underutilization of its scholars, many of whom are retained abroad after training due to limited job opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. PTDF is now working to link these scholars to employment openings within local oil and gas companies to reduce brain drain.
The talks with Loughborough University reflect a renewed effort by PTDF to create global partnerships that benefit the Nigerian economy by investing in human capital development. The proposed partnership is expected to open doors for more Nigerian students and improve the country’s expertise in critical sectors like renewable energy, oil, and gas.
