WARRI- The Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachiukwu, has said, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) would benefit immensely from the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) when finally passed into law.
The Minister stated this last weekend at the PTI Conference Center, Effurun,Delta State , during the 2017 Convocation Ceremony of the Institute.

According to the Hon. Minister, who was represented by Dr. Shade Yemi Esan, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said, the bill would address myriad of problems affecting the oil industry.

“The Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB) is being considered in phases by the National Assembly.”

“The Bill itself is all encompassing as it sets to tackle issues from the overhaul of the entire industry, governance,framework, fiscal and regulatory framework of the oil sector among others.”

“I therefore want to state firmly that the PTI would benefit immensely from the passage of the Bill, because,I am optimistic that the implementation of industry reforms, through the enactment of the bill will strongly open up the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector to new local and international investors for competitive growth and sustainable development in line with international best practices.” He said.

Addressing the graduating students, the Principal/ Chief Executive of the Institute, Prof. Sunny E. Iyuke, urged them to continue to play a very vital role and endeavour to proudly bear the name of PTI wherever they go as worthy ambassadors -strong, innovative, ethical and excellence.

Prof. Iyuke, while reminding the graduands that their graduation from the institute marked beginning of a journey, said,

“Graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another incredible career journey in the rest of your life. ”

“Your training at the PTI has given you an uncommon edge to compete and surpass expectations in a globally competitive market. PTI graduates are at the top of their professions not only in Nigeria but also internationally. PTI is now a household name in the oil and gas sector.”

A total of 1,102 students graduated this year with the National Diploma(ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in the field of Engineering and Sciences while 24 were awarded the PTI General Welding Certificates.

Highpoint of the colourful ceremony ,was the presentation of cash awards to deserving students who distinguished themselves in their various department and the conferment of honorary PTI fellow on some eminent personalities.
Forty-eight (48) students graduated with distinctions and 347 students graduated with Upper Credit in the 2015/2016 academic session.

In recognition of their outstanding achievements in education, economic, politics and notable contributions to the oil and gas sector, some eminent Nigerians were conferred with PTI fellow (fPTI).

They included, former Information Minister and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark; former Pro-Chancelor of FUPRE, Chief Nimi Barigha-Amange and renowned activist and former Secretary General, NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori.

Dignitaries present at the convocation ceremony included, Sent.(Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa,Executive Governor of Delta State; Mr. M.D.B.Ladan, Chairman, PTI Governing Council; Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the Senate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege , traditional rulers ,representatives of oil industries, Captains of industry among others.