PTDF Screens 424 Candidates for Overseas Scholarships

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) conducted a nationwide screening of 424 candidates for scholarships to study petroleum-related courses at the master's and PhD levels. This process, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, was explained by Sirajo Abdullahi Fari, Deputy Manager of Services at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies.

The screening resulted in a shortlist of 266 candidates for master's degrees and 158 for PhDs. The selection process involved a three-stage system that included document verification and personnel assessment by a vetting team.

Abdullahi emphasized the fund's mandate to train human capital to fill the manpower shortage in Nigeria's oil sector. The PTDF has sponsored students abroad for the past 20 years, aiming to develop and contribute to the energy sector.

The selection was merit-based, ensuring qualified candidates emerged regardless of their status or tribe, as noted by panelist Professor Abubakar Isa Bello from Bayero University, Kano.