The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the screening and verification of credentials for over 400 candidates from the North East region, as part of its 2025 overseas scholarship programme for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees in oil, gas, and renewable energy-related fields.
The exercise, which commenced yesterday at the Northeast Centre at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, aimed at identifying and selecting the best candidates for postgraduate studies in top universities across the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and China among others countries.
Speaking during the screening, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, said the Fund remains committed to develop capacity, skills, and competency in the oil and gas industry, saying that they also give equal opportunity to all Nigerians to apply for PTDF programmes to study abroad.
Represented by Malam Mannir Abubakar, Manager of Research and Innovation in the North-East Centre, he explained that for MSc applicants, a minimum of five O’Level credit passes, including English and Mathematics and a second-class upper division from a recognised university are required.
He added that for PhD candidates, consideration is based on previous academic publications, conference papers, and a compelling research proposal that aligns with national energy priorities.
“We look closely at the novelty and relevance of each proposal, especially how it addresses existing challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. We also evaluate the candidate’s statement of purpose and overall academic potential,” he added.
He also said additional consideration is given to candidates with relevant professional certifications or memberships, such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), COREN, NSE, CPSN, or equivalent bodies, depending on the field.
He assured that PTDF maintains a transparent, merit-based selection process, involving independent resource persons from academia and industry. Representatives of the Federal Character Commission also monitor the exercise to ensure equity and fairness.
“You will see various qualified applicants who have been invited for the selection interviews. These interviews are conducted by resource persons drawn from both academia and the industry, individuals who are not staff of PTDF.
This is to ensure objectivity and uphold the highest standards in the selection process,” he added.
Abubakar added that the scholarship duration is two years for PhD programmes and up to five years for MSc programmes.
In addition to the Bauchi Centre, other screening locations include Ibadan (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Port Harcourt (South-South), Kaduna (North-West), and Abuja (North Central).
“We are screening simultaneously across six zones to ensure national coverage and equal opportunity,” Abubakar added.
According to the executive secretary, PTDF has in place a robust system to monitor the academic progress of its scholars abroad to ensure students stay focused and return to contribute to national development.
“We follow up with the students while they are studying abroad, and we expect them to return and serve the country upon completion,” he stated.
Aminu recalled that since its inception in 2002, the PTDF has remained focused on its mission of developing indigenous human capital in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The Overseas Scholarship Scheme remains one of its flagship initiatives.
Ahmed Galadima Aminu emphasised the Fund’s commitment to promoting STEM education and fostering a competitive, skilled workforce that can ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector.
One of the candidates, Bello Abubakar Dauda from Gombe State, expressed optimism about the process.
“I believe this scholarship will be a game-changer in my life. It will help me develop the skills I need to contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector and to the nation at large,” he said.
He also prayed for a fair and just selection process.
