No doubt, on yearly basis, students all the world including Nigeria apply, write examination (depends on the type) with the sole purpose of gaining admission into one tertiary institution or the other. While some prefer the university, some, colleges of education while others polytechnics. Whichever reason that informs an applicant to apply for a course and choice of school to study much depends on individuals -of which ranges from quick access to employment – which is never available in Nigeria to others. Apart from the children who may suggest one school or the other for their parents as choice of school to attend, many parents too, take time to find suitable schools for their children.
It is against this background that the Principal and Chief Execitive of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government, Delta State, Engr.Dr. Samuel. E. Onoji represented by the Director Research and Development, Dr. Mrs. Tina Isichei, said, parents should not search any further but make the institution(PTI) choice of study. He stated this during the matriculation of 2025/2026 full time and School of Industrial and Continuous Education (SICE) at the institution recently.
The fact that, not all tertiary institutions especially the ones related to oil and gas are befitting for study hence, he told them that PTI is a Centre of Excellence in the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria as it serves as best ground for training and research for Petroleum industries. He told the matriculating students that the oil and gas industry is very dynamic and highly demanding as it requires innovation, adaptation and resourcefulness to gain maximum benefit in the sector.
According to the Principal, several organizations which include Laser Engineering, Loda Energy and Indora Petrochemicals have sought to collaborate with the institutes in recent times because of its capability and effectiveness and charged the students to harp on the opportunity to become great in life. His words: “In order for you to come out unscathed all hands must be on deck. Passing through this great institute is an opportunity to penetrate the oil and gas industry because of the technical and hands on training that you will be exposed to in the course of your study.”
The Principal said, the students should make wise decisions as the ones they make and the action they take today, would determine who they would become in future and charged them to be determined and focused. He said further, there is need for them to set personal targets so as to come out with distinction or upper credit – to be on top.
His words:” Be resilient and disciplined: Sometimes, there may be pressure in the course of your study, do not give up because whatever goes up must come down. Be futuristic: Do not allow today’s issue to deprive you of the glorious future ahead. In spite of any challenge, keep moving”. As characteristics of students who are involved in examination malpractices, he warned that the institute has zero tolerance for examination as students are expected to conduct themselves and uphold the highest standards of behavior throughout their stay in the Institute.
According to the Principal, with current trend in the energy industry, they (students) should be familiar with the new trends and development in fossil fuel and renewables. He also told them (students) to take advantage of different certifications that would further enhance their employability in this ever dynamic industry as it is important to leverage digital tools like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoTs), data analytics, robotics, machine learning among others, to broaden their knowledge and improve their competencies and capabilities.
His words:” You must equally follow the proper channels of communication in reporting your grievances”. Dr. Onoji highlighted that one of the great pillars of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which was designed to alleviate the financial pressure of some less privileged students in Nigerian institutions- which has gone a long way to make higher education to be more accessible to Nigerian students. He told them that the loan is interest free and would be repaid after the beneficiary must have been engaged in a profitable business or career.
According to him, once the student provides his or her personal details to the relevant authorities, the loan would be disbursed within thirty days and the students are required to contact the Student Affairs Department for appropriate guidance on how to apply for the loan. The Principal said, the students are advised to acquaint themselves with student hard books and follow the Institutes’ Academic Standard religiously, follow proper channels of communication in reporting your grievances, adding that, the rules and regulation of the school should be obeyed, so that, they would not be victims of the negative consequences of disobedience to constituted authority.
While Dr. Onoji welcomed the students to the school, he rejoiced with them to have successfully got admission just as he expressed gratitude to their parents to have stood by their children that saw their admission. His words: “This matriculation ceremony officially ushers in the new students into this citadel of academic excellence. I rejoice with you for being one of the students that were offered administration into this great institute. Equally, I want to congratulate the parents, guardians and sponsors of the students for the role they have been playing in nurturing their wards to achieve this great height in their academic pursuit.”
“It is the duty of the Petroleum Training Institute to instill academic knowledge on the students and to guide them in building their character. I would like to admonish you to continue to support them financially and morally throughout their studentship in the institute.” The climax of ceremony was the administration of matriculation oath on the 2101 students admitted amid cheers.