PTDF Interviews 5,885 Candidates for Scholarships

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has initiated interviews for 5,885 shortlisted candidates for its 2026-2027 overseas postgraduate scholarship program. This nationwide exercise began on April 7 and will conclude on April 17, taking place simultaneously across six centers in Nigeria: Abuja (North Central), Bauchi (North East), Kaduna (North West), Rivers (South South), Enugu (South East), and Oyo (South West).

PTDF's Deputy General Manager of Education and Training, Bello Mustapha, emphasized that the selection process will strictly adhere to merit and Nigeria's federal character principles. The number of applicants rose to 38,000 in 2026, a 31% increase from 29,000 in 2025, but the number of shortlisted candidates increased at a slower rate of 17.7%.

The selection process aims to ensure equitable representation from all states, with specific slots allocated based on federal character. The final number of awarded scholarships will depend on available funding.