The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a Nigerian government agency responsible for developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology in the oil and gas industry, recently concluded a rigorous three-day screening exercise for its highly competitive 2025/2026 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS). Held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, the screening evaluated 151 shortlisted candidates from the South-East region vying for coveted MSc and PhD awards. This meticulous process underscores PTDF’s commitment to selecting the most promising individuals who can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector upon completion of their studies.
The screening exercise served as a crucial platform for assessing the candidates’ academic credentials, evaluating the quality and relevance of their research proposals, and considering their professional memberships, if any. Mr. Uche Ikoku, PTDF’s Manager, Centre for Skills and Development, Port Harcourt, emphasized that the shortlisted candidates, representing the five states of the South-East, were selected based on their suitability and potential impact on the oil and gas industry. He reiterated PTDF’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity, rigour, transparency, and fairness of its scholarship awarding process, values that have earned the scheme a reputation for excellence over the years.
To ensure a comprehensive and impartial evaluation, PTDF assembled a panel of seasoned professionals drawn from both academia and the energy sector. These experts possessed the necessary knowledge and experience to identify candidates whose research aligned with the industry’s current and future needs. The candidates represented a diverse range of disciplines crucial to the oil and gas sector, including Geology, Engineering, Management, and Environmental Sciences, areas identified by PTDF as experiencing manpower gaps. This strategic approach ensures that the scholarship recipients are equipped to address critical challenges and contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s energy resources.
The candidates themselves expressed satisfaction with the screening process, describing it as seamless, well-organized, and directly relevant to their academic and career aspirations. Mr. Henry Udeh, a PhD candidate focusing on the impact of environmental changes on groundwater quality and aquifer vulnerability, lauded the smooth execution of the screening exercise. Another candidate, Miss Kenechukwu Ifediora, whose research explores the application of machine learning for sustainable economic principles and bioengineering remediation in waste management within the oil and gas sector, expressed confidence that her work would have a significant positive impact on Nigeria’s environmental sustainability within the energy industry. These testimonials highlight the PTDF’s commitment to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for aspiring scholars.
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme plays a pivotal role in building capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by providing opportunities for advanced education and research at internationally recognized institutions. The high level of interest in the scheme is evidenced by the overwhelming number of applications received – over 29,000. Out of this vast pool of applicants, 5,723 candidates were shortlisted for the interview stage, demonstrating the competitiveness of the program. The South-East regional screening represents a crucial step in this rigorous selection process, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates progress to the next stage.
The PTDF OSS is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to investing in its human capital and developing a robust and sustainable oil and gas industry. By supporting talented individuals in pursuing advanced studies and research, the program is fostering a generation of experts who will drive innovation and contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of the nation’s energy sector. The meticulous screening process ensures that the selected scholars possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and dedication to make a meaningful impact on the industry and contribute to Nigeria’s overall development.
