PTDF Conducts Nationwide Screening for Overseas University Scholarships in Energy Sector
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide screening exercise to select candidates for foreign scholarships aimed at studying petroleum-related courses at both master's and doctoral levels. This strategic initiative is designed to build local capacity and foster development research within Nigeria's energy sector, with screenings being conducted simultaneously across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
North-West Zone Screening Details
In the North-West region, PTDF recently screened 681 candidates for Master of Science postgraduate degrees. The selection interviews for the 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme were held at the College of Energy Studies in Kaduna. Bashir Ahmed Rufai, the Team Lead for the Overseas Scholarship Scheme, informed journalists during the exercise that these interviews represent the final stage before the award of scholarships. He revealed that a total of 38,398 applications were received nationwide for both MSc and PhD programs, highlighting the high level of interest in this opportunity.
South-East and Other Zones Participation
Similarly, in the South-East zone, no fewer than 173 candidates selected from various tertiary institutions are participating in the screening process. The exercise, which runs from April 7 to 17, 2026, is part of PTDF's efforts to groom professionals for Nigeria's energy industry. Afam Ikwuemesi, Deputy Manager in the Nigerian Content Development Industry Collaboration Department, described the scheme as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing local expertise in the oil and gas sector.
North-East Zone Screening Process
In the North-East, PTDF has shortlisted 266 candidates for Master's degrees and 158 for PhD programs. Speaking at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Sirajo Abdullahi Fari, Deputy Manager of Services at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, explained that the screening process involves three critical stages: system verification, document screening by PTDF personnel, and vetting by a team of consultants. This meticulous approach ensures that only the most suitable beneficiaries are selected to undertake development research and contribute meaningfully to the nation's energy sector.
Overall, this nationwide exercise underscores PTDF's commitment to investing in human capital development within Nigeria's energy industry, with candidates enrolled in MSc and PhD programs at various public institutions vying for these prestigious scholarships.
