The management of Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, in Uvwie, Delta State, has debunked claims that its students are studying in flooded classrooms and living in snake-infested hostels, describing the allegations as unfounded and malicious.
It described the publication as a “calculated attempt to mislead the public and malign a reputable federal institution.”
The report titled “Despite ₦39 Billion Budget, Students at Nigeria’s Petroleum Training Institute Study in Flooded Classrooms, Snake-Infested Hostels” in an online medium had accused the management of decayed infrastructure in the premier oil and gas school.
In a statement on Saturday, PTI said the article is riddled with falsehoods, devoid of evidence, and deliberately sensationalized to incite panic and discredit the Institute’s leadership.
“Let us state without ambiguity: there are no flooded classrooms at PTI. Our lecture halls are dry, well-roofed, ventilated, and electrically powered,” the Management declared.
According to the Institute, all teaching facilities are in fully functional condition and subject to routine maintenance by the Services Directorate. Students have not issued any complaints or petitions suggesting water intrusion or physical danger caused by flooding.
It added, “If SaharaReporters truly believes its claim, let it provide photographs, videos, or credible eyewitness accounts from verifiable sources. There are none—because this narrative is entirely fabricated.”
The statement further stated that the allegation that students live in “snake-infested hostels”, a term used in the publication to paint a picture of dereliction and fear as an act of witchcraft and deliberate promotion of falsehood.
“This is fear-mongering at its worst. Our hostels are structurally sound and actively maintained. No single case of snake infestation has been officially recorded, let alone one that impacts student safety,” the statement said.
“Our facilities are regularly audited. Lecture halls are roofed. Laboratories are equipped. Workshops are operational. There is no scenario where students are receiving instruction under collapsed ceilings.
“The ₦39 billion referenced is not a discretionary fund. It covers overhead, capital projects, salaries, training programs, facility maintenance, and more—subject to release and strict accountability,” the statement explained.
The Institute clarified that no single project or facility has consumed that amount, and that it operates under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Budget Office, and external auditors.
“We have nothing to hide. Our hostels, classrooms, workshops, and open spaces are accessible for inspection by any credible, neutral body. Truth doesn’t fear scrutiny”, it added.
