BAUCHI, NIGERIA – The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has shortlisted 606 candidates for its prestigious Masters and Ph.D. foreign scholarships. The physical screening process is being conducted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, as part of a nationwide screening across six states.
Suraju Abdullahi Fari, the team lead of PTDF, emphasized the rigorous and transparent selection process. “The screening is taking place simultaneously in six states. We have invited 606 candidates for this stage, all vying for second and third degree programs,” Fari explained. He highlighted that the selection process was managed through an online application system to ensure fairness and transparency, with independent consultants verifying the applications.
“The selected candidates have proposals focused on oil and gas or renewable energy, aimed at addressing some of Nigeria’s pressing energy challenges,” Fari noted. “For transparency and fairness, we conducted the application process online, where initial selections were made by a computer system. These selections were then reviewed by our staff and vetted by independent consultants. We also invited a panel of experts from various universities and industries, including Shell and Chevron.”
Dr. Usman Hassan, the Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering at ATBU and one of the panelists, remarked on the high relevance of the candidates’ proposals to the oil and gas industry. “Most of the proposals we’ve reviewed are directly relevant to the industry’s needs,” he said, underscoring the practical focus of the scholarship program.
The PTDF’s commitment to developing skilled professionals in the energy sector is reflected in its meticulous selection process and collaboration with industry experts. The shortlisted candidates represent a diverse group of individuals whose research could contribute significantly to solving Nigeria’s energy issues.
The screening process at the Bauchi centre and other locations is part of PTDF’s broader strategy to invest in human capital development. By providing opportunities for advanced studies abroad, the fund aims to cultivate a new generation of experts equipped to tackle the future challenges of the energy sector.
The final selection of scholarship recipients will be announced after the screening process is completed. These scholarships will enable the successful candidates to pursue advanced studies in top international institutions, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.
For more information, visit the PTDF website or follow their social media channels for updates on the scholarship program and other initiatives.