OPEN LETTER TO HENRY A. ADIMULA Ph.D. ACTING PRINCIPAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE PTI EFFURUN, DELTA STATE; THE NECESSITY OF VIRTUAL CLASSES, PRACTICALS, AND EXAMINATION FOR PTI STUDENTS.

OPEN LETTER TO HENRY A. ADIMULA Ph.D. ACTING PRINCIPAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE PTI EFFURUN, DELTA STATE.

SUBJECT: THE NECESSITY OF VIRTUAL CLASSES, PRACTICALS, AND EXAMINATION FOR PTI STUDENTS.

I am writing this open letter to you today as a concerned student of Petroleum Training Institute who is strongly in support of swiftly transitioning to Virtual-learning.

It is an understatement to say that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted Nigeria's society, the economy, healthcare systems, and even educational institutions like the Petroleum Training Institute.

The Petroleum Training Institute is a specialized institution with a mandate to train indigenous manpower to meet the technical and administrative demands of the oil and gas and other allied industries in Nigeria and Africa.

The PTI Mandate clearly distinguished the Institute from every other Tertiary Education in Nigeria.

The massive scale of the COVID-19 virus outbreak and its sheer unpredictability made it challenging for leaders to respond. In an attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, most schools around the world including the Petroleum Training Institute, have had to make hard decisions of shutting down schools temporarily. As I understand, it was an even harder decision for the school board to make at that time considering we were already slightly behind our academic calendar: a gesture I sincerely appreciate because no student should ever have to choose between risking their health for education.

But so much has happened since then, mostly due to the pandemic; we have lost approximately eight (8) months of academic time: turning a two years program into three years and even with the discovery of the new strain of the COVID-19 virus which is far more contagious than the actual virus, things are not looking good. Perhaps things might get better soon or they may not; Amidst so many uncertainties and unknowns, the school board must seek out ways to continue the schooling activities whilst ensuring the safety of students staff – virtual learning takes care of both.

Since the start of the Pandemic, many Educational Institutions have had to adopt a digital approach to Student learning, dramatically transitioning traditional in-person classroom learning to virtual distance learning where teaching is provided remotely on digital platforms.

However, I understand the Petroleum Training Institute could not have made such a transition at that time because we were already in the middle of examinations, and the point that the Petroleum Training Institute offers Technical Education that demands hands-on experience remains valid.

But we have to accept the new normal and I strongly believe without a doubt, the Institute with high Technical Manpower and vast expertise stands in a strong position to carry out such a transition.

Educators and students around the globe are settling in - at home - to finish out the school year amid the pandemic. For many, the digital classroom is a completely new environment. But there’s good news: studies show that learning online is just as effective as learning in the physical classroom, as long as all parties involved, such as; the Institute Management, Academic and Non-academic Staffs, and most importantly the students are well prepared and equipped.

No student should have to sacrifice their health or safety to access Education. As a student of this Institute for which I care so much about. I believe it would be necessary for the institute to take the steps forward in ensuring Students and Educators have the resources and support they need to continue learning in this tough time.

For the past few days, I have discussed with fellow Students what they will like to see going forward from the Institute regarding their Schooling in a time like this; Most of the suggestions revolved around the following features:

• The institute should have an equity plan in place for Virtual learning. This should include making sure all Academic Staff that will be participating in this transition process have the necessary tools required in performing their duties efficiently such as; lecturers having the right technical skills (or support system) and tools.

However, Non-academics staff such as the Student Affairs department and the ICT Department should be actively involved to ensure a smooth-running system.

• For this transition to truly be successful, the Institute should ensure that students are provided the enabling environments for this new reality.

This includes;

-Redesigning the school timetable into one which fits the purpose in a virtual setting.

-Standby technical support hotline for students who may encounter challenges.

- and perhaps, the cost that the institute should have been incurring because of in-person schooling of students can be directed into providing financial aids in terms of Data subscriptions to Virtual learners who may be in need.

• The institute should ensure the right platform and strategies are adopted. There has to be a conscious effort in ensuring the best and most efficient approach.

This includes ensuring that all online classes make use of the same learning platform (such as zoom, google classroom, etc.) and formats to reduce the work for lecturers and make classes easier for students to navigate. And also, to reduce the burden on lecturers, the Institute can consider grouping departments doing the same courses.

I recognize this is an additional challenge during already challenging days. I understand the complexities involved in such a project and I am not naive of the effort this will take but one thing I am most sure of is that this Institute demands bold persistent experimentation. In writing this letter, I am reminded of the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt when he said “It is good practice to take a method and try it. If it fails, accept it frankly and try another but above all try something”.

Better than anyone, Franklin D. Roosevelt understood the necessity of trying something different when he said these words. In-person learning may have succeeded for many years as the only platform for learning at the Petroleum Training Institute, but these are different times with a new set of challenges. If virtual learning works, we will be setting the Petroleum Training Institute on a new and innovative path – a path where our students wouldn’t have to spend an extra year in school because of a pandemic and most importantly, we will be placing the Institute on a journey to actualizing the vision of a “Digital PTI”: a promise that was made to the students over three years ago. Therefore, I respectfully urge you to use your good office in trying something different.

I thank you for your kind consideration and very much hope that you will look favorably upon my suggestions. I would like to further discuss these ideas.

Warms Regards

Written by;

Edesiri Ekokota

HND1 Mechanical Engineering Department Student.

Manufacturing Option.

Petroleum Training Institute, Warri.

Edited and Published By;

Sunday Egon HND2 ISETD

President of 

The Actualizers' Team (TAT) PTI Press Club.

ONLY FINAL YEAR STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL RESUME ON SEPTEMBER 14 – LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

 

Ahead of the reopening of tertiary institutions slated for Monday, September 14, in Lagos State, the State Government has said only final year students will be allowed to resume, before other levels.

Tokunbo Wahab, Special Adviser on Education to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this on Thursday, September 10, 2020, while featuring on Channels Television’s Programme, Sunrise Daily.

Wahab said that the Government had put in place necessary facilities and guidelines to ensure a safe reopening of schools in the State.

He emphasized that the resumption of students in the State will be done in phases to ensure a safe learning environment for the students and staff.

“For our tertiary (institutions) from on the 14th, we are going to start with the final year students across our tertiary institutions. With those final-year students, we are sure that they are older, they are more mature, and they are going to meet up with the protocol as put in place by the institutions based on the regulations of the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control).

“In the past few weeks, we’ve been putting in place measures and facilities that will enable our children to come back to school.

“Even at that, what we seek to do from next week is to start a phased reopening of our tertiary institutions.”

Wahab said the students have been having their lectures online all the while and “they are going to come on campus to have their revision one-on-one and then they can now have their exams and their projects.”

Speaking further, he said: “Basically, we are at a point where scientifically we’ve been proven to have flattened the curve. 

And it invariably means that we are not as exposed as we used to be some five, four, three months back. So, consequently, we have to find a way to bring our lives back to normal. And in doing that, education is very critical to whatever we are going to do.

“After we have phased them out, maybe after their exams, then, those in the penultimate year will come on campus. So, we are not going to put all our students on campus at the same time.

“For our secondary from on the 21st, they are also going to have a phased resumption.”

Recall that schools across the country were shut in March as part of the measures put in place to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

However, the Federal Government in August announced the reopening of graduating students to write this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination from August 17, 2020, through September 12, 2020.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had subsequently announced that the tertiary institutions in the State will be reopening on September 14, 2020.

Esharedoro: I Can Effect Change If Made President Of Nigeria For Thirty Days

Comr. Christian Esharedoro, the Former Public Relations Officer of Petroleum Training  Institute, Student Union Government who served in the 2018/2019 academic session said he will effect change if made President of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria for Thirty Days.

Esharedoro made this known in a social media platform of The Actualizers Team TAT a Campus Press Club that exists in the Petroleum Training Institute.

 It was quite clear that  Esharedos' point was neither to question the Current Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari nor to challenge Leaders that have previously served the Country at the Apex helm of Affairs.

 Esharedoro only sees himself as a vibrant Youth who is Totally in Support of "THE NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN BILL" he only supplied answers according to the questions which arose from the social media group.

He said "Let me quickly react to this very nice question. If given 30days to rule this country what I will do differently?

If I'm given the opportunity to serve this country for 30days, Nigeria will move forward. 

How can this be Achieved?

First of all, I already know the Challenges of Fellow Nigerians. I will start by Implementing the voice of My Generation on the Agenda for me to do this successfully; Nigerians must be ready to embrace the Principles of Equality. What do I mean by the principles of Equality? 

Equality in my own context means that both the Children of the Rich and the Children of the poor will go to Public Schools and get the same Standard of Education.

Where the Children of the Poor can get Jobs without connections.

Where both the poor and the rich will get equal punishments for crimes committed.

I personally will place Consequences side by side over our actions. Nigerians must be ready to embrace the consequences of Corruption. 

When this Citizen has involved in an art of Financial Misappropriation, irrespective of Profile and Personality such a person must face the Law squarely. 

There shouldn't be any two ways about it. This in turn will make those at the helm of Affairs Accountable.

The Youths mainly remain the Bedrock of every Community. So in my capacity as the President, I will stay True to Power by ensuring that these set of Young people get quality Education, Skills, Man Power Development, which in turn will make them Innovative and Drive Competitiveness in Our Economy.

Esharedoro Further said, I will promote Inclusiveness, Diversify the Economy, so as not to put the Country's Eggs in one Basket.

Every citizen will be well Enlightened and Empowered to  deliberately demand for the Mandatory Accountability of their leaders.

I will bring in favourable policies that wil increase  creativity, productivity and boost the economy.

This will I do within my 30days in Office as Nigerian President.

Thank you all."

 Esharedoro was the Immediate  Past PRO of Student Union Government, Petroleum Training Institute, the positions he assumed unoppose.

From a review by Students Esharedo Meets Expectations while in service. 

PTI Organized Entrepreneurship Workshop

 YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR SHIP:

Ahmed Musa reports.   PTI, ONUESOKE FOUNDATION ORGANISE TWO-DAY FREE TRAINING ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP FOR YOUTHS

"To salvage the current economic situation  there is need for the training of educated youths who can function effectively in their society in which they live in terms of self-employment and self-reliant which only entrepreneurship education can provide"....Patience Igho Onuesoke, Head of Operation Onuesoke Foundation.

A two-day free training workshop to build up the knowledge of youths in entrepreneurial and leadership skills has been organized in Effurun, Delta state.

The skills acquisition workshop, organized by Petroleum Training Institute Skill Development Academy, Effurun, in conjunction with Onuesoke Foundation, is in an effort to develop and acquire extra skill to back up youths academic qualification in Delta State.

The theme of the free training workshop titled, “Covid-19 And Changes Of Economic Realities: The Need For Economic Development”  was  held  between August 6th and 7th at the Petroleum Training Institute, Skill Development Academy(SDA) , Osubi Campus, Osubi, Delta State.

The workshop meant for Osubi, Okowokoko, Ugolo and youths from other communities  of Okpe Local Government Area   of Delta state  witnessed  large turn out participants  from the environs.

In a key note address, The Principal/ Chief Executive  Of  Petroleum Training Institute, Dr Henry Adimula  admonished participants to take advantage of the two days training to give them the needed competitive edge in a world of dwindling economic fortune  brought about by the corona virus pandemic.

He said the global socioeconomic situation poses serious threats and challenges to both government and wellbeing of the citizens, adding that the unemployment problems further call for different strategies and actions for it to be ameliorated.

“Entrepreneurship education has been embraced by almost all the developed countries and its capabilities and efficacy in springing up economies, is not in doubt. It is believed that refocusing education system will immensely contribute in developing the spirit and culture of entrepreneurship in the country.  Entrepreneurial education is essential not only to shape the mindsets of young people,  but also to provide the skills and knowledge that are central to development,” he explained.

Addressing the participants, Head of Operation,  Onuesoke Foundation, Mrs. Patience Igho Onuesoke said to salvage the current economic situation  there is need for the training of educated youths  who can function effectively in their society in which they live in terms of self-employment and self-reliant which only entrepreneurship education can provide.

Patience Onuesoke who said they are conducting the training based upon the aforementioned   premise urged the youths to take the training seriously adding that Nigeria faces a number of challenges that can only be met if she has innovative, well-educated, and entrepreneurial youths who, whatever their walks of life, have the spirit and inquisitiveness to think in new ways, and the courage to meet and adapt to the economic challenges facing them.

“At same time, given the current socio-economic and political stance of the country, a thriving economy would require a greater number of young people who are willing and able to become entrepreneurs who can launch and successfully develop their own commercial or social ventures, and who will become innovators in the wider organisations in which they work,” she disclosed.

RESEARCH DON EMERGED AS PTI NEW PRINCIPAL

Dr. Henry A. Adimula emerges new PTI Principal

Dr Henry Adimula

Ahmed Musa Reports

Dr. Henry A. Adimula has been appointed as the new Acting Principal of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun Delta State, by the Governing Council of the Institute in it’s 140th meeting with effect from 4th July 2020.

Dr Adimula who took over from Prof. Sunny E. Iyuke, whose tenure expired on the 3rd of July, 2020, has served in various academic and administrative capacities in the institute. This includes Vice Principal of the Institute, Chairman, Staff Development Committee, Sports Director and Chairman of other committees.

Dr. Adimula is the pioneer Director of the Research and Development Directorate and the Director of Science of the institute. He is an award-winning academia in the oil and gas related fields, which includes the award of 20 million naira PTDF grant for bio remediation research with his team in 2012 to PTI.

Speaking with journalists the man with vast experience in the oil and gas industry both local and international that span over 29 years of service in the Petroleum Training Institute, appreciates the opportunity afforded to him by the Governing Council of the Institute to lead the Institute at this time.

“The task is huge but full of opportunities, there exist a big scope for the Institute to provide specialized and industry driven training in oil and gas technology.”

“I will be working with a crop of great talents to strategize and reposition the Institute to capture 50% and more, of the annual training budgets of the oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria.”

“The objective is in line with the Federal government’s local content policy to deepen the contribution of local businesses in the oil and gas industry. I assure you that we are ready as we have installed the necessary facilities to help us fulfill our mandate.”

“The industry is encouraged to take advantage of our e-learning solutions for their training needs.” He added.

Dr. Adimula holds a B.Sc. degree in chemistry and M.Sc. degree in chemistry from the University of Illorin, Kwara State. He also holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Benin. Dr. Adimula joined the services of the Institute in December 14, 1992, as then Lecturer II in Chemistry.

 *Source vanguard News

NSP PAYS SSA TO PRESIDENT ON YOUTH AND STUDENTS AFFAIRS A COURTESY VISIT

THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN STUDENTS PARLIAMENT PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON YOUTHS AND STUDENTS AFFAIRS

... reaffirms its readiness to contribute her quota to nation building

The Speaker of the Nigerian Students Parliament (NSP); Rt.Hon. Mubarak Aliyu Rimi alongside principal office holders paid a courtesy/familiarization visit to office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Students Affairs in Abuja within the week.

While giving a keynote address, the speaker of the parliament Rt. Hon. Mubarak Aliyu Rimi started by commending the SSA on youths and students for not giving up despite the numerous challenges he faced while climbing his leadership ladder. Mr. Speaker used the medium to thank His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari for reappointing Nasir Adhama Sa'idu as SSA youths and students and went further to congratulate him on his reappointment stressing that his performance in President Muhammadu Buhari's first term must have earned him a second chance in the same administration.

NSP leadership also used the medium to seek for collaboration with the office of the SSA on youths and students to the president to prioritize the welfare of Students and partner to ease the job of the office by giving periodic report of student situations across the country.

In acceptance, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Students Affairs Nasir Adhama Sa'idu Congratulated the new leadership of the Nigerian Students Parliament and assured them of his maximum support and readiness to collaborate with the student legislative structure to foster Students welfare.

Nasir however tasked the parliamentarians to be good ambassadors of the country as well as represent true definition of patriotism, stressing that it is only through this means that Nigeria could be a better place for all of us and the generation yet unborn.

PETROLEUM INSTITUTE POSTPONED SEMESTER EXAMINATION.

Petroleum Institute postponed semester Examination for 2019/2020 academic session. Sunday Egon report

Through the students union Government legislative Arm, the Institute Management attention has been drawn to the ongoing Test  and Lectures in some Departments of the institute.

As the norm implies, a Lecture and Test free week is mandatory for Students to prepare adequately for the upcoming Examination.

With regard from the letter sent by the SUG Legislative arm signed by RT. Hon Ngene Daniel, Speaker of Students Representative council and Hon Okoi Omini the Clerk of SRC calling for an Appeal to Pity. The Letter which was address to the Institute Registrar saw a favourable response.

on this note, the first semester examination for 2019/2020 academic session has been postponed from the 9th of march 2020 to the 16th of march, 2020, therefore Monday 9th March to Friday 13th march will be a Lecture and Test free week.

From the  memo which was signed by the institute students Affairs officer, Mr Elvis Irefo and address to the Student Union Head, reads; "I am directed to inform you that management has graciously grant an anticipatory approval for all students in HND2, HND1, ND2 and ND1 to commence their first semester examination for 2019/2020 academic session from 16th march to Friday 13th April 2020.

However, management further stretched in the memo " please note that management would not entertain any further excuses from the students union government in the above request" perhaps this might be due to the disturbances it will cause to the institute academic calendar and the overall planning process by the institute management.

The Actualizers' Team TAT urge all students to make proper use of the lecture free week.