By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE crisp morning air conveyed an air of celebration as the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, came alive with vibrant colours and joyful voices.
On Friday, 28 March 2025, the institution welcomed 1,625 freshers into its academic fold in a grand matriculation ceremony.
The matriculants
As the sun bathed the PTI Conference Centre in golden hues, students, parents, and lecturers gathered, their faces glowing with pride and anticipation. The entire campus buzzed with excitement, the air thick with animated chatter and laughter.
Freshers, dressed in their academic robes, moved about with a mix of exhilaration and nervous energy. For many, this was the realisation of a long-held dream, and the joy on their faces was unmistakable.
Ifeoma Praise
For Ifeoma Chukwu Praise, a fresh student of Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing Engineering, the event was nothing short of a dream come true. “I am beyond excited to be here today. It wasn’t an easy journey, but God made it possible,” she said, her face radiating joy.
The long nights of studying, the tension of entrance examinations, and the uncertainty of admission had all led to this triumphant moment.
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Ifeoma told Stonix News that though getting into the institution wasn’t easy, he was grateful to God for coming through for him:
“I thank God that I’m among those matriculating today. It is a very close place to me and it is the best place for me. It has always been my dream to study at PTI.
“I will make sure to do all I need to not only graduate when the time comes, but to do that in flying colours. I will not leave prayers out of it. With God’s help and good health, I believe I will graduate with my mate.”
Iheka Gloria Ogechi
Iheka Gloria Ogechi, another matriculant, shared a similar sentiment. Originally aiming for Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, she was drawn to PTI by the glowing recommendations she had got. “PTI is a place of excellence, and I am proud to be here. I know this is where I am meant to be,” she said, her voice brimming with confidence.
David Akhire from Rivers State stood tall, dressed in the ceremonial matriculation gown, his face glowing with excitement. “I chose PTI because of its hands-on training and job opportunities. I hope to work with Shell or Total, someday,” he said, his aspirations set high.
David Akhire
The sense of ambition was palpable among the students, each one eager to carve a niche in the oil and gas industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Dr Samuel Onoji, congratulated the freshers and urged them to embrace their academic journey with determination and discipline.
Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Dr Samuel Onoji
In his speech, he encouraged the students to apply for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a government initiative designed to ease the financial burdens on students.
According to him, the NELFUND is a zero-interest loan scheme that provides financial support for students to cover institutional fees, and monthly upkeep thereafter.
He noted that the Institute received her first NELFUND disbursement on the 11th of February, 2025, and that it was paid by the Institute to the successful students that applied.
He said, “I want to emphasise the importance of accessing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), an initiative of the Federal Government designed to alleviate the financial burden on students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
PTI dons filing into the hall
“Through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s RENEWED HOPE AGENDA. The Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
“The NELFUND is a zero-interest loan scheme that provides financial support to students to cover institutional fees, and monthly upkeep thereafter.
“The application process is straightforward and all new and old students can apply for the loan and can be completed online.”
Dr Onoji also warned the freshers to steer clear of vices that could derail their journey, including examination malpractice, drug abuse, social media abuse and cultism. His voice carried authority of not just the boss, but of a father figure – a reminder that the path to success required discipline and integrity.
The matriculants
The new students, full of zeal, pledged to uphold the values of PTI, their voices strong and unwavering as they took their oath.
Among the matriculants, laughter and animated chatter filled the air. Some took selfies, their faces glowing with excitement, while others engaged in cheerful banter about the journey ahead.
The camaraderie was evident, a sense of belonging already forming among them.
For many, the journey to PTI had not been easy. The rigorous JAMB and Post UTME processes had tested their patience and resilience.
The matriculants in the hall
Yet, as they stood in the grand hall, officially welcomed into the institution, all the struggles seemed worth it. “This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I am ready for it,” said a student from the Mechanical Engineering Department, his face lighting up with determination.
PTI, a prestigious institution renowned for its practical approach to learning, had opened its doors to the next generation of industry leaders.
Departments such as Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Science Laboratory Technology had all welcomed fresh minds ready to innovate and transform the sector.
The matriculants outside the conference hall
Outside the conference centre, the celebration continued as some students were seen shouting ‘Great Nigerian Students, Great!’ mantra.
The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, cheers, and music. Groups of students posed for pictures, their new journey immortalised in frames that would, one day, remind them of this defining moment.
The excitement was contagious, spreading even to the staff and faculty members who looked on with satisfaction. The sight of fresh, eager minds ready to learn and grow was a reminder of why they had chosen the noble profession of teaching.
The matriculants taking the oath
As the ceremony drew to a close, the freshers, now officially PTI students after the oath-taking ritual, walked out of the hall with renewed vigour.
The PTI matriculation of 2024/2025 was not just a ceremony—it was a celebration of dreams, a promise of excellence, and a step towards a future filled with endless possibilities.
As the sun stayed over Effurun, the students dispersed, their laughter echoing through the campus. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with the resilience and ambition displayed on the day, the future looked bright.
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