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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has committed to supporting Uganda’s emerging oil and gas industry by spearheading human capacity development initiatives designed to catalyze employment and foster sustainable growth within the sector.
The commitment was underscored by PETAN’s Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, during his keynote address at the second annual Oil and Gas Skills Expo, organized by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) at Kyambogo University. In his address, Ogunsanya emphasized the critical importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement in the rapidly evolving oil and gas sector, advocating for strategic investments in training programs that equip Ugandans with the skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.
“Investing in structured training programs is paramount,” Ogunsanya stated. “By strategically allocating resources, we can develop a diverse range of skills among participants. This can be achieved through collaborations with educational institutions and industry experts to design tailored training courses that address the specific needs of the workforce.”
He further highlighted the value of creating mentorship programs, on-the-job training initiatives, internship opportunities, and continuous learning platforms. Such initiatives, he noted, are crucial for empowering emerging professionals in the industry, enabling them to enhance their expertise and stay abreast of the latest advancements in oil and gas technology.
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“PETAN, through its member companies, offers technical oilfield services across the entire value chain of the oil and gas industry,” Ogunsanya continued. “We have established 13 Technology Interest Groups (TIGs) that run specialized training programs in areas such as marine operations, health, safety and environment (HSE), engineering, fabrication and construction, automation, well engineering, and geological/geophysical services, among others.”
Ogunsanya expressed PETAN’s recognition of the broader African context, where fostering a culture that values learning and professional development is essential for attracting and retaining top local talent. Such a culture, he explained, not only has the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape but also ensures the industry’s sustainability by building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who are essential for driving innovation and growth.
“In our partnership with Uganda, PETAN is fully committed to supporting human capacity development under our existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ugandan National Oil Company (UNOC). This partnership is aimed at deepening local content practices within our respective oil and gas industries, as well as in related sectors,” Ogunsanya added.
By aligning with Uganda’s goals and providing tailored training opportunities, PETAN aims to play a pivotal role in helping Uganda build a competent workforce that will drive the nation’s oil and gas sector forward. This collaboration reflects a broader vision of African solidarity, where knowledge sharing and capacity building are key to unlocking the continent’s vast energy potential, ensuring that both nations can sustainably develop their natural resources while creating employment opportunities for their citizens.
