PTDF trains 35 researchers to drive industrial growth through computational catalysis
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the training of 35 researchers in computational catalysis as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s industrial development and reduce dependence on foreign technical expertise. The workshop, organised in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is aimed at equipping researchers with advanced skills to develop homegrown solutions […]
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the training of 35 researchers in computational catalysis as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s industrial development and reduce dependence on foreign technical expertise.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is aimed at equipping researchers with advanced skills to develop homegrown solutions for challenges in the petroleum, petrochemical and energy sectors.
Speaking at the event, Shu’aibu Shehu-Aliyu, PTDF Executive Secretary said the initiative was designed to translate scientific research into practical industrial solutions and strengthen indigenous capacity in critical areas of the economy.
Represented by Hajiya Rabi Waziri, General Manager, Education and Training of Fund, Aliyu noted that computational catalysis has become a vital tool for accelerating innovation, improving efficiency and advancing research in the energy sector.
He stresses that Nigeria must build expertise in specialized fields to support sustainable economic growth.
In his remarks, Prof Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, ABU who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Bello Sabo, said the training reflects the university’s commitment to developing indigenous knowledge and reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign expertise for catalyst design, process modelling and computational optimisation.
Earlier, the PTDF Chair, Professor at Chemical Engineering Department,.ABU, Abdulazeez Yusuf-Atta, said the participants were selected through a competitive process and would serve as trainers who would transfer the knowledge gained to others across the country.
He explained that computational catalysis enables researchers to conduct simulations before laboratory experiments, thereby saving costs, time and energy while enhancing research efficiency.
The workshop attracted participants from different parts of Nigeria and the Republic of Chad, with stakeholders calling on PTDF to sustain the initiative to support rapid industrial and technological development in the country.