The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria, continues to make significant strides in equipping its students and staff with the essential skills needed to remain competitive in the global oil and gas industry. Under the leadership of Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, the Acting Principal and Chief Executive, the institute is committed to becoming Africa’s leading technological institute in the sector.
To support this vision, the Linkages, Exchange, and Partnerships (LEP) unit of PTI has initiated the Industry Academia Linkage (IAL) Webinar Series. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry requirements by bringing together experts who can provide cutting-edge insights and practical knowledge.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee, Head of the LEP unit, highlighted the importance of the IAL Webinar Series in fostering innovation in training, research, and consultancy within the Institute. According to her, the series employs a Triple Helix Model, which integrates academia, industry, and government to promote sustainable skill development.
The 6th edition of the IAL Webinar Series, held on August 29, 2024, focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing significance across various sectors. Hosted in collaboration with Faith Leads University (FLU) in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, the webinar aimed to equip PTI staff and students with the necessary AI skills to excel in the future.
Dr. Paul Okatahi, Vice President and Founder of Faith Leads University, was the lead speaker for the event. In his presentation titled “Developing Essential AI Skills for the Future,” Dr. Okatahi discussed the transformative impact of AI on the economy and the crucial role educational institutions like PTI play in aligning their programs with industry demands.
Dr. Okatahi encouraged participants to approach AI with a beginner’s mindset, describing the technology as fundamentally rooted in “mathematics and data.” He highlighted AI’s potential to solve real-world problems and emphasized the importance of quality data and ethical considerations in AI development. He also touched on AI-driven innovations such as self-driving cars, drones, and robotic bodyguards, as well as the need for skills in mechatronics, machine learning, and neural networks.
While acknowledging the limitations of AI—such as its lack of common sense and emotional understanding—Dr. Okatahi reassured the audience that these challenges are not insurmountable and that AI is continuously evolving.
The session concluded with a quiz, where Dr. Okatahi announced that 12 participants who excelled would receive the Faith Leads University Google Scholarship, valued at over $300. The scholarship allows recipients to enroll in high-demand tech certificate programs, including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, Project Management, UX Design, and IT Support, for a three-month period.
Ihuaku Ugwu, HR Manager at SLB (formerly Schlumberger) Land & Rigs in Houston, Texas, delivered a goodwill message during the event. She underscored AI’s role as a vital component in industries ranging from energy to finance and encouraged participants to remain curious and passionate about learning AI.
The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Florence Jumbo, Deputy Director of Human Resources Development, on behalf of the Registrar. She expressed gratitude to Dr. Paul Okatahi and Ihuaku Ugwu for their contributions and praised Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee and her team for their efforts in organizing the successful event.
