By Benson Daniel
More than 1,000 former beneficiaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund scholarship programme in Adamawa State have declared their support for former PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Tijjani Galadima Aminu, pledging to deploy their professional knowledge and experience towards the development of the state.
The scholars, who benefited from various PTDF scholarship and human capital development programmes, said their decision followed their assessment of Galadima’s record in education, capacity building and institutional development during his years at the agency.
Galadima, an Adamawa indigene and former Executive Secretary of PTDF, has emerged as one of the prominent figures positioning himself for the 2027 governorship contest in the state. His career at PTDF spanned several departments, including education and training, before he rose to the position of Executive Secretary.
The former scholars said their experience with PTDF programmes gave them first hand knowledge of the importance of investing in human capital and building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation.
They pledged to make their expertise available to initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and other sectors considered critical to Adamawa’s development.
Their position also reflects the broader impact of PTDF’s scholarship programmes in Adamawa. Available records indicate that hundreds of indigenes of the state benefited from PTDF scholarship opportunities during Galadima’s tenure, with beneficiaries receiving opportunities for postgraduate study and specialised training in Nigeria and abroad.
The scholars argued that the knowledge acquired through such programmes should not remain limited to individual career advancement, but should also be channelled into solving challenges confronting their communities.
They described Galadima’s experience in managing a major federal human capital development institution as an asset that could be brought to bear on the state’s development needs.
During his time at PTDF, Galadima was closely involved in the agency’s education and human capital programmes, including scholarship initiatives, research support and institutional development. His career at the Fund began during its formative years, and he later served as head of its education department before becoming Executive Secretary.
The former scholars said they were particularly interested in translating professional expertise into practical development programmes, rather than limiting their involvement to political support.
They also expressed willingness to participate in policy development, technical advisory work and community based initiatives that could strengthen the state’s capacity to address its economic and social challenges.
Galadima’s supporters have increasingly highlighted his technocratic background as one of the defining features of his political aspiration. His profile has been built largely around his years in public service, particularly his involvement in education, professional training and energy sector human capital development.
His emergence as a governorship aspirant has also generated attention within Adamawa’s political circles, with his supporters presenting his experience in federal institutions as an advantage in attracting investment and development opportunities to the state.
The scholars’ endorsement adds another layer to that campaign, particularly because it comes from professionals who directly benefited from the type of human capital programmes associated with Galadima’s career.
For the former beneficiaries, the immediate priority is to ensure that the skills acquired through international and specialised education are applied to local development.
They maintained that Adamawa has a large pool of qualified professionals at home and abroad whose expertise could contribute significantly to the state if properly coordinated.
The group therefore pledged to support efforts aimed at creating an environment where professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and young people can contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic transformation.
Their backing represents an endorsement not only of Galadima’s political ambition, but also of the argument that investment in education and technical expertise can form the foundation for sustainable development in Adamawa.
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