PTDF screens 173 candidates in Southeast as overseas scholarship interviews begin
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) selection interviews, with 173 shortlisted candidates participating at the Southeast centre held at the University of
- From Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) selection interviews, with 173 shortlisted candidates participating at the Southeast centre held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The exercise, which runs from April 7 to 17, is being conducted simultaneously across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to building local capacity in the oil and gas sector.
At the Enugu centre, the interview process began on Tuesday in an orderly and competitive atmosphere, with candidates vying for limited slots in the highly sought-after MSc and PhD scholarship programme.
Speaking during the exercise, the Team Lead for the 2026 OSS interviews in the Southeast and Deputy Manager in the Nigerian Content Development Industry Collaboration Department, Afam Ikwuemesi, described the scheme as a strategic initiative aimed at grooming professionals for Nigeria’s energy industry.
According to him, the PTDF scholarship programme focuses on training Nigerians in oil and gas-related fields at partner institutions across the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, and other parts of Europe.
He disclosed that over 900 candidates applied from the Southeast, out of which only 173 were shortlisted for the interview stage, reflecting the competitive nature of the programme.
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“The essence of this scheme is to bridge the technical gap between expatriates and indigenous professionals in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. We want Nigerians to acquire the competence required to take up critical roles in the industry,” Ikwuemesi said.
He explained that candidates are assessed based on academic qualifications, relevance of their research proposals to national priorities, and their ability to clearly communicate their ideas.
“The panelists are experts in their fields. They examine the candidates’ proposals, especially for PhD applicants, to determine their relevance to current realities in the oil and gas sector,” he added.
Ikwuemesi further noted that the programme has consistently produced outstanding scholars who excel globally, expressing satisfaction with the performance of past beneficiaries.
On transparency, he highlighted the role of PTDF’s ICT systems in ensuring a credible selection process, noting that application portals are time-stamped and credentials rigorously verified.
Also speaking, a panelist and Head of the Department of Geology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Ifeanyi Oha, described the exercise as smooth and well-coordinated.
“The process has been very smooth. The candidates are responding well, and the quality of those interviewed so far is above average,” he said.
He noted that the programme remains highly competitive, stressing that only the best candidates would emerge successful.
“If you are selected, it means you are very good. This is not a programme for average performance,” he added.
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The professor commended PTDF for sustaining the scholarship scheme for over two decades, describing its consistency as commendable in the Sub-Saharan African context.
Similarly, another panelist, Dr. Arize Stella Ndidi of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the interviews but called for increased awareness of the programme in rural and underserved communities.
“There is a need to create more awareness so that candidates from rural areas can also benefit. Many of those we see are from urban centres,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of well-developed research proposals, noting that candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding, preparedness, and potential impact of their studies.
“You cannot come here without knowing what you want to do. Your proposal must show depth, focus, and relevance,” she added.
For candidates, the process represents both an opportunity and a test of persistence.
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Read Also: PTDF shortlists 5,885 candidates for 2026/2027 overseas scholarship interviews
One of the applicants, Solomon Eke, a petroleum engineering graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, said he remained optimistic despite previous unsuccessful attempts.
“This is my third attempt. I’m hopeful this time,” he said.
Eke, who is proposing research on the use of locally sourced materials to address challenges in drilling fluid systems, explained that his work aims to reduce health hazards associated with synthetic drilling fluids while promoting local content.
“If successful, this research will improve the oil and gas industry and align with PTDF’s objective of strengthening local capacity,” he noted.
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme offers one-year MSc and three-year PhD programmes, designed to equip Nigerians with advanced knowledge and skills for the evolving energy sector.
