United Kingdom-based Loughborough University has opened discussions with Nigeria’s Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to broaden scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, with a focus on the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
The talks were disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja, where senior officials from the university expressed their intent to build a long-term strategic partnership with Nigeria through the PTDF.
Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, Prof. Sam Grogan, said the collaboration would focus on capacity building and skills development to strengthen infrastructure and talent pipelines in critical energy sectors.
“Our aim is to align with PTDF on scholarships as part of a broader commitment to capacity development. This partnership is not a one-time gesture but a sustained engagement to deliver lasting impact,” Grogan stated.
He added that Loughborough already has strong ties with Nigeria, citing the success of former Nigerian students, including a PTDF scholar now working at the university and another alumnus who serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at a Nigerian institution.
Grogan revealed that discussions with PTDF include options for full scholarships, postgraduate programmes, and short courses, designed to expand access and empower Nigerian students with industry-relevant skills. Nearly half of the university’s students, he noted, complete industry placements during their studies, enhancing employability and global competitiveness.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Amanda Daley, a Professor of Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough, emphasized the university’s dedication to building equitable partnerships across Africa. She highlighted the value Nigerian students bring to Loughborough, both academically and through lived experiences, particularly in shared challenges like rising non-communicable diseases.
Florence Mutero, Loughborough’s Global Engagement Officer and alumna, also addressed journalists. She highlighted the university’s affordability compared to UK metropolitan cities and its commitment to supporting African students through a variety of scholarships.
These include a 20% “Creating Better Futures” tuition discount for African offer-holders, along with merit-based awards such as the African Development Scholarship, Global Impact Scholarship, and subject-specific and sports scholarships. Additional financial support is also available for underrepresented groups in fields like Computer Science.
According to Mutero, tuition fees at Loughborough range from £26,000 to £32,000 per year, while living costs are relatively lower due to its Leicestershire location. She reiterated the university’s top global ranking in sports-related subjects and its emphasis on blending academic rigour with real-world experience.
Loughborough officials said the institution is committed to positioning Nigerian students for leadership roles and impactful careers on the global stage.
Meanwhile, PTDF has raised concerns about the retention of its trained scholars in countries like the UK and US, citing limited opportunities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The Fund has begun collaborating with local industry players to address this issue and create more employment pathways for returning scholars.
