The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has shortlisted 6,000 candidates from a pool of 38,000 applicants for its 2026 Overseas Scholarship Scheme for PhD programmes.
The selection marks a significant step in the highly competitive process aimed at developing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
As part of the screening exercise, 296 candidates were interviewed at the Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, one of the designated centres for the evaluation process.
Officials from the Federal Character Commission were also present to monitor the exercise, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to federal character principles.
In a sideline interview with our correspondent, the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, said the Commission was on ground to ensure fairness across board.
He said, “This PTDF interview exercise taking place in Ibadan is also being conducted across all geopolitical zones in the country. We are here to supervise and ensure that every shortlisted applicant is treated fairly and given equal opportunity.
“I can say with full conviction that PTDF has adhered to the Federal Character principle. From the way candidates are shortlisted to the conduct of the interview, the process has been transparent.”
He dismissed concerns about political interference, stressing that only qualified candidates would emerge.
“PTDF does not allow interference. The process from application to screening and interview is structured to ensure that only those who qualify on merit are selected,” he added.
Also speaking, the Team Lead for the PhD Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Tajudeen Ibiyeye, explained that the programme remained central to Nigeria’s capacity development in the oil and gas sector.
According to him, the selection process begins with public advertisement, followed by computer-based screening and academic review by a panel of professors before shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
“The process is fully transparent. Candidates must present valid documents and defend their research proposals. Selection is strictly based on merit,” he said.
Ibiyeye disclosed that about 38,000 applications were received nationwide, out of which just over 6,000 candidates were shortlisted, while 296 candidates were being interviewed at the Ibadan centre.
He added that the scheme was evolving to address emerging areas such as energy transition, noting that PTDF had significantly reduced skill gaps in the sector over the years.
On concerns about funding, he assured that scholars were adequately supported.
“Funding is handled promptly because we understand the importance of financial stability for scholars abroad,” he said.
Ibiyeye further noted that the agency had strengthened partnerships with energy firms, including Shell plc, to ensure that beneficiaries return to Nigeria and contribute to the industry.
A panel member, Professor Byami A. Jolly of Ahmadu Bello University, said candidates were assessed based on their ability to identify research gaps and develop practical solutions relevant to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“We look for candidates who can conceptualise research, identify gaps in literature and develop viable methodologies. About 50 to 60 per cent of candidates align their research with industry needs, while others are guided to improve theirs,” she said.
Jolly described the selection process as credible, noting that certificates and research proposals were thoroughly verified to ensure only the best candidates were selected.
Another panelist, Professor Olalere Gabriel Adeyemi, said the scheme had continued to strengthen Nigeria’s human capital base in the energy sector.
“PTDF has done a lot for the academic community by sponsoring students for higher degrees abroad. This is helping to bridge the gap in local expertise and reduce reliance on foreign professionals,” he said.
He added that the shortlisted candidates already represented the best among thousands of applicants, stressing that the panel’s task was to select the most outstanding among them.
Adeyemi advised beneficiaries to return home after their studies to contribute to national development.
“We are in an era where many people prefer to stay abroad, but we encourage them to come back and contribute their quota to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
Some applicants who spoke with our correspondent commended the Federal Government for sustaining the programme.
One of the candidates, Daniel Duru, who applied under Chemical Engineering, lauded the initiative and prayed for its continuity, while another applicant, Augustine Ojobo from the Federal University of Technology, Yola, also praised the scheme, describing it as impactful.
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme sponsors Nigerians for MSc and PhD programmes in top universities across Europe and Asia, with a focus on building capacity for the country’s energy sector.
