PTDF shortlists 5,885 candidates for 2026/2027 overseas scholarship interviews
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced interviews for 5,885 candidates shortlisted from over 38,000 applicants for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS). Speaking with reporters in Abuja, the
- By John Ofikhenua, Abuja
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced interviews for 5,885 candidates shortlisted from over 38,000 applicants for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS).
Speaking with reporters in Abuja, the Deputy General Manager, Education and Training at PTDF, Dr. Bello Mustapha, said the interview process is being conducted simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He explained that the scholarship is exclusively for Master’s degree programmes, adding that the Fund has established partnerships with institutions in Germany, France, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.
“We are here to commence the interview process for the 2026–2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme. Over 38,000 applications were received, out of which 5,885 candidates were shortlisted for the interviews,” he said.
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Mustapha noted that interview centres are located across key institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (South-East), Bauchi (North-East), and Kaduna State University (North-West), among others.
He added that the selection process reflects the Federal Character principle, ensuring equitable representation across the country, while officials of the Fund were present at the various centres to oversee the exercise.
The Deputy General Manager said at the end of the selection process, each state would have at least three students.
He, however, revealed that the oil producing states would be given the opportunity for extra slots.
On the requirements, Mustapha said the would- be beneficiaries must among other things be Nigerians, hold first class degrees, Upper Division and Second Class Lower Division.
According to him, the beneficiaries are also expected to have relevant working experiences.
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He said the School Certificate grades of the students also count in the interview.
Asked how many students would be successful at the end of the interview, he said the budget would determine the figure.
"It all depends on the budget and the management. The management will decide that based on the budgetary conditions," said Mustapha.
Meanwhile, one of the applicants, Maria Ochanya Ogbe, who is from Benue State said she is eyeing a Masters degree in Industrial Biotechnology.
She expressed satisfaction with the interview process.
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Similarly, another student Alhaji Ikoh from Kogi State said he applied to study
Environmental Science at Masters level in the OSS.
He described the process as seemless, noting he was shortlisted for the interview without being connected to anyone.
Ikoh recalled that he even got the interview information from hearsay.
