Over 2,100 PhD candidates compete for PTDF overseas scholarships

Education, Technology

ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has begun the second phase of interviews for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), with 2,102 PhD applicants shortlisted nationwide.

Speaking at the Abuja screening centre, Dr. Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, said the exercise follows MSc interviews conducted earlier across four centres. Abuja alone accounts for 912 candidates scheduled over five days.

Mustapha explained that the selection process adheres to the Federal Character principle, ensuring candidates compete within their states of origin, with merit determining final outcomes. He added that the number of successful awardees will depend on budgetary provisions.

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While the UK remains a destination for MSc scholars, Mustapha noted that the PhD programme now operates under a split-site arrangement, allowing candidates to spend part of their study abroad in partner universities. Other participating countries include Malaysia, Germany, and France.

The PTDF received more than 30,000 applications for MSc and PhD programmes, from which about 5,800 were shortlisted for interviews.

A delegation from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), led by State Coordinator John Uchara and Commissioner Eugene Aleba, monitored the process to ensure transparency and fairness. Uchara commended PTDF’s compliance with federal character principles and stressed the importance of inclusiveness in national opportunities.

Panelist Prof. Bashir Aliyu of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, described the quality of candidates as impressive, noting strong academic and research potential. He said the panel evaluates academic background, research capacity, and the relevance of proposed PhD work to national development, with emphasis on innovation and potential impact.

Candidates expressed optimism about the opportunity. Chemical engineer Tanko Fwadwabea highlighted his proposed research on blue hydrogen production to add value to Nigeria’s natural gas resources while reducing carbon emissions. Returning applicant Cornelia Collins-Onoha, a geosciences researcher, said her study focuses on antimicrobial-resistant genes in aquatic environments affected by oil pollution, stressing its importance for environmental sustainability and public health.

The PTDF reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent selection process, with robust verification mechanisms in place to ensure only credible candidates are chosen.