The Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State has been included with other Nigerian institutions in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admissions brochure. Gbenga Ojo reports.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has taken over the admissions procedure of the Petroleum Training Institute(PTI) and other special tertiary Institutions in Nigeria who were not conducting their admissions through JAMB.

This, being a recent development, is a Federal Government directive in order to achieve uniformity and smooth admission processes in all the institutions of higher learning, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Institute, Mr. Brown Ukanefimone.

The Petroleum Training Institute was established by Act No 37 of September 19, 1972, and subsequently amended by Act 52 of January 1, 1975. The Institute provides courses of Instruction, training and research in oil/gas technology and production of technologists and technicians and other such skilled personnel required for oil production and allied disciplines.

PTI's vision is to become the leading oil and gas technological institute in Africa. While her mission is to provide competent technological manpower through quality training, research, and consultancy for the petroleum and allied industries.

PTI awards National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and other certificate programmes such as General Welding and has been admitting applicants over the years through entrance examination tagged "PTI Entrance Exam". The exam is usually being conducted in eight ( states across Nigeria namely Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Sokoto, Kaduna, Jigawa and Abuja. While Higher National Diploma (HND) applicants go through interviews conducted only in the Institute.

With the current development, PTI National Diploma applicants will have to apply for admission through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and must choose PTI as their first choice. However, those applying for Certificate and Higher National Diploma programmes will still undergo the PTI entrance examinations and interview procedures respectively for their admission.

The student affairs Officer of the Institute Mr. Ajima Jackson told Campus Life that it is a welcome development, "though it will deny the Institute of some internal revenue but it will definitely expose PTI more to the world and also makes NYSC mobilization processes easier for the Institute" he added.

The President of the Student Union Government, Comrade Theophilus Ukuyoma said "I don't welcome the idea, because it will kill the pride of the Institute. PTI is a special school that was established by an Act, and not like other institutions. I believe that PTI admission processes should be different from others."

PTI Alumni General Secretary, Mr. Yahaya Moses said he will support the development only if other special Institutes truly joined the list as it was announced.

"JAMB taking over PTI will be a great advantage and open doors to so many aspiring students, but Proper screening should be done after the JAMB in order to maintain the Institute's Glory and Standard." National Association of Yoruba Students PTI Chapter Aare (King), Oba Olumide Ajitowabaje told Campus Life.

So many questions that linger on the lips of Nigerian students are, where does PTI now belong-- Oil and Gas sector or Ministry of Education? Will the Standard still remain? Is the Institute deviating from the purpose of which it was established?

Mr. Brown Ukanefimone cleared the air when he stated that nothing has Changed about the Institute, and that her purpose still remain the same. "We are only following Federal Government instructions." He said.





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