We will give maximum support to PTI - Lokpobiri

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Hon. Heineken Lokpobri has promised that his ministry will continue to support the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta State, to enable it meet its obligations of training and provisions of middle- level manpower for the oil and gas sector.

The Minister made the promise weekend during the matriculation of 1,793 students for the 2023/2024 academic session. 

Lokpobiri represented by Barr. Roland Pereotubo Oweilami, SSA on Political Matters emphasized the ministry dedication to  PTI. 

The Minister highlighted the Institute's pivotal role in training middle-level manpower essential for Nigeria's petroleum and gas industries. 

He lauded  PTI for its significant contributions to sustaining and repositioning the Nigerian economy, which heavily relies on oil and gas.

The Minister urged the matriculating students to seize this life-changing opportunity to complete their programmes  with distinction just as he  assured them of the Ministry’s constant support in helping PTI fulfill its mission of manpower training.

"We will give the most needed support to PTI through collaboration, assisting the institute's request towards provisions of infrastructure and facilities to enable it meet its obligations of training and provisions of middle level manpower for the oil and gas sector.

"In line with the spirit and letter of the founding fathers, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is willing and ready at all times to assist PTI in meeting its obligations," he affirmed.

"Your matriculation marks the beginning of an exciting journey in your life. Maximum commitment, consistent discipline, and relentless focus are basic requirements for a successful individual. 

"I expect nothing less from you as we embark on this life changing journey towards academic excellence and eventual entry not only  into the oil and gas industry, but other sectors of the Nigerian economy that you may end up in the Ministry of Natural Resources," he  added.

Earlier in his  welcome address,  Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, Acting Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI,  highlighted the unique opportunities available to PTI students, which provide them with better exposure compared to their peers. 

He cautioned the students to adhere strictly to the Institute’s rules and regulations, warning against involvement in cultism, physical or sexual assault, and exam malpractice to avoid breaching their matriculation oath.

Onoji reiterated PTI's commitment to its founding mandate, urging the students to focus on their academic pursuits. He emphasized the importance of the petroleum and gas sectors in Nigeria’s energy transition efforts and called for collective action to accelerate development in these fields. 

The Acting Principal added: "PTI aims to be the leading technical institute in Africa through training, research, and development. Our well-equipped facilities, including a rare-on-campus demonstration drilling rig, support this vision.

"There are rules and regulations that guide the conducts of our students in this great Institute as you have been informed during your orientation programme. You are to adhere to the rules and regulations as stated in your hand-book, I will advise that you obey the content to the later.

"My dear matriculants, no student should take laws into his or her hands. You must not breach the oath of matriculations. The management will not tolerate any of the social vices. 

"For the sake of emphasises, the following are the crimes and offences which when committed, will attract sanctions and if necessary, the student may be expelled from the Institute: physical and sexual assault, examination misconduct, cultism, use of drugs, smoking of indian hemp on campus, certificate forgery, stealing, bullying, misuse of social media and indecent dressing", he concluded.