The PTDF's vision is to serve as a vehicle for the development of indigenous manpower and technology in the petroleum and mining sector.

The PTDF's mission is to train Nigerians to qualify as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in the fields of Engineering, Geology, Science and Management in the Oil, Gas and Solid Minerals industry in Nigeria and abroad.

The Petroleum Sector has continued to be the backbone of the Nigerian Economy as well as the country's greatest foreign exchange earner, contributing over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings and over 80% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, the Nigerian Petroleum Industry still depends substantially on imported technology/equipment and manpower for its activities. In view of the strategic importance of the industry to the Nation’s economy, the development of highly skilled indigenous manpower to participate actively in the activities of the industry and move away from foreign dominance of the sector becomes imperative is a national imperative.