Victoria University to offer training in oil management

Kampala

Victoria University last week signed a memorandum of understanding with Scotland universities to offer training in oil and petroleum studies.

Speaking at the signing, Victoria University vice chancellor, Professor Martin O’ Hara said by working closely with the Scotland universities, the university is set to bring world class standards of education to East Africa.

“We are targeting the critical interface between industry, professional practice, graduate study and practical training by providing an integrated range of research, training and consultancy services tailored to all levels of business demand,” the academic said. “Working with our British partners, we can provide certificate, diploma, degree and post graduate programmes leading to internationally recognised British accreditation.”

According to Prof. O’ Hara, the emerging oil sector in Uganda is largely characterised with lack of technical expertise and operational skills with a lot of the labour force dominated by foreigners.

“At the moment the Uganda petroleum industry is too dependant upon overseas expertise but with the introduction of oil related courses will give way for Ugandans to participate in the sector. Local training is imperative if we are to reduce the need for expatriate staff, the VC added.

Intake requirements
With effect from the signing of the MoU between the two institutions, the first intake on oil related courses will commence on August this year, according to the university officials.
“The introduction of the oil related course will begin with an eight-week degree preparatory course as a bridging course then the first and second intake will be on September and January respectively with each taking a maximum of 30 students to ensure high level of staff –student contact.”

Speaking at the signing, Ms Michelle Grimley, Scotland College’s business development executive said the institution’s 50-year experience in the oil sector will help Uganda by providing the industry with required standard of high pressure welding that are not available in the Ugandan context of oil management.