PTDF-supported research in ABU on zeolite catalysts for petroleum industry could save over $300m annually in foreign exchange – VC
The PTDF-supported research carried out at Ahmadu Bello University on zeolite catalysts for the petroleum industry produced a patented indigenous technology with strong commercial potential, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed.
Prof Ahmed explained that the innovation, if successfully deployed, could significantly reduce Nigeria’s independence on imported catalysts.
This is in addition to saving over US$300 million annually in foreign exchange and strengthening local manufacturing, and advance Nigeria’s technological independence, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor spoke when he led a management team on a courtesy visit to the PTDF Executive Secretary, Prof Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, in Abuja on Tuesday, 30th June, 2026.
The visit was to essentially congratulate Prof Aliyu being a distinguished member of Ahmadu Bello University community on his appointment as the head of the petroleum agency.
Prof Ahmed stressed that the innovation was an opportunity to demonstrate the value of sustained investment in research.
“Having supported the development of this technology, PTDF is uniquely positioned to help facilitate its commercialization through strategic partnerships, pilot projects, and industry engagement”, he said.
He said PTDF had over the years been one of the ABU’s most valued strategic partners as the Fund had helped strengthen the university’s ability to produce knowledge that addresses national challenges.
According to him, ABU was fully committed to working with PTDF to develop a practical roadmap that will transform the innovation into a nationally recognised success story.
“We stand ready to contribute our researchers, laboratories, and technical expertise to achieve this goal”, he also said.
ABU, he further said, was looking forward to expanding its collaboration in postgraduate training, advanced research, energy transition, local content development, digital innovation, and capacity building.
Congratulating the new PTDF Executive Secretary, the Vice-Chancellor said his appointment was a ‘source of pride’ to the university.
Ahmed described him as a distinguished academic with strong commitment to excellence, research, and national development.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the partnership between PTDF and ABU would become even stronger.
Responding, the PTDF Executive Secretary, Prof Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, described the Vice-Chancellor as a unique person, given his tremendous simplicity and accommodation.
Prof Aliyu said with the upgrading recently of the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies into General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, PTDF would further strengthen its partnership with ABU.
The newly upgraded college trains postgraduate students in specialised earth and applied sciences.
He said ABU students would have access to the 29 laboratories of the university of geological sciences, in addition to drawing a lot of manpower from the northern premier institution to help build the new university.
The Executive Secretary announced the PTDF’s intentions to domesticate its training to close the skills gaps for the benefit of the oil and gas industry.
Prof Aliyu stated that Dangote Group had over 30,000 expatriates because of the skills gap in Nigeria.
He described ABU as a centre of academic excellence for its best brains and urged the Vice-Chancellor for all the needed support to succeed.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi and the Registrar, Rabiu Samaila.
Others were the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof M I Umar-Buratai and the Chair Occupant, ABU-PTDF Professorial Chair in Chemical Engineering, Prof Abdulazeez Yusuf Atta.
They also included Head of Chemical Engineering Department, Prof Bilal Sabiu; Director, Public Affairs, Auwalu Umar; and Director of Sports, Dr Suleiman Usman Omeiza.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (NEWS/TKU&PIC/TKU)
Thursday, 2nd July, 2026
