Development Fund Screens 681 MSc Candidates For Overseas Scholarships

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the selection interviews for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme at the College of Energy Studies, Kaduna, screening 681 MSc candidates from the North West zone.

The exercise, part of PTDF’s flagship human capital development initiative, is being conducted simultaneously in six centres nationwide.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise in Kaduna yesterday, the team lead for the Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Bashir Ahmed Rufai, said the interviews represented the final stage before the award of scholarships

According to Rufai, a total of 38,398 applications were received for MSc and PhD programmes nationwide.

“Of these, 6,193 candidates scaled through the initial screening process. This week’s exercise is focused on MSc applicants, with 681 candidates being interviewed at the Kaduna centre, while the remaining 287 PhD candidates are scheduled for next week.

“The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies is a PTDF institution that we are very proud of. Its role will help to check the capital flight we have noticed from the country,” he said.

Rufai explained that the selection criteria require candidates to be Nigerians, to have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations, and to possess satisfactory O-Level and university results.

“Candidates are ranked by a portal algorithm that considers academic performance, with most shortlisted applicants holding First Class, Second Class Upper, or strong Second Class Lower degrees.

“This exercise is the final bridge for them to cross before they are awarded these scholarships,” he added

Also, Mohammed Awwal Maiya, Kano State commissioner on the Federal Character Commission, commended the exercise, describing the process as transparent and fair.

“We are here to ensure transparency and fairness. Everything is being conducted properly, and the candidates are well-prepared,” Maiya said.