The Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS) is an international post graduate institution established through a collaboration between Ecole du Petrole et des Moteurs (IFP School) France and the University of Port Harcourt Nigeria in the year 2002. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited (EPNL) Joint Venture as part of its sustainable development Programme sponsor the collaboration.

IFP School is in international collaboration and partnership with world-renowned Universities in different parts of the world. They are Imperial College of Science & Technology, London (UK); Colorado School of Mines (USA); Texas A & M (USA); Oklahoma University (USA); McGill University (Canada); Technical University Delft (Netherlands) and Universite Gubkin (Russia).

The University of Port Harcourt is also in international collaboration with leading Universities in South Africa, America and Canada.

This brings together different cultures, academic programmes and technology applications. Through its association with IFP School, IPS now belongs to the international consortium of Institutions.

The Institute believes in:
the culture of excellence in sustained learning, leadership, internationalism and professionalism advancement and propagation of knowledge in the petroleum industry.

When in full operation, the Institute will be made up of specilised Centres (see Table) that will offer:

• Operations-oriented Post Graduate Programmes
• Continuing Education Programmes
• Applied Research and Services
• Capacity Building Programmes