WARRI – The Principal of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Dr. Henry Adimula, has said that in view of the current global economic situation, the Institute has developed and still developing its students to adapt to the trend of building a better future for themselves without necessarily depending on their academic degrees and qualifications.

Dr. Adimula stated this in Warri on Tuesday during a press conference which was part of activities marking this year’s convocation ceremony coming up on Saturday, 23rd October, 2021.

The Principal, who mounted the saddle of the Institute on June 17th, 2021, said, “This desire was what gave birth to the Commissioning of the Entrepreneurship Centre recently, the centre was set up for skills acquisition of our students.

The COVID19 pandemic has also revolutionalized our ways of living and running businesses, hence the Institute had perfected smart classrooms-e – classrooms, we can conduct our trainings via zoom, we have digitalized our lectures, so we can even conduct our examinations online as it is obtainable in the Western World.”

The PTI boss continued: “We are investing in simulators that can bridge the gap for practical training the Institute is known for.”

According to Dr Adimula, a total of 2,471 Technologists and Technicians will be awarded the Higher National Diplomas (HND), PTI General Certificates. He further stated that out of the number, 161 passed with Distinctions, while 810 graduated with Upper Credit.

He lauded the PTI Alumni for their immense contributions to the PTI project.

Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is expected to deliver a graduation lecture titled , “Petroleum Industry Act and the Oil and gas Sector: Prospect and Challenges” on Friday, 22nd October.

On collaborations, Dr. Adimula further said that PTI was collaborating with both national and international bodies in the energy and power sectors in realizing the vision of the Institute.

He said achievements of the Institute since the last graduation included development of local content capacity for the nation’s oil and gas industry, hub for the nation’s diving school, accreditation by Accredited Training Body (ATB) for welding and underwater operation.

He, however, said the Institute was grossly under-funded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dwindling oil prices.