1,643 PhD and MSc Applicants Compete for PTDF Scholarship

No fewer than 1,643 postgraduate students are currently competing for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship. The candidates, comprising MSc and PhD applicants, were drawn from various universities across Nigeria.

Mr. Tajudeen Ibiyeye, the Chief Officer and Team Leader for the South West region, disclosed this during the interview sessions for the 2024 in-country PTDF scholarship scheme. The interview, which was held at the Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, witnessed the participation of applicants from different parts of the country.

According to Mr. Ibiyeye, “For this year, we have 1,643 applicants that applied for both MSc and PhD scholarship programmes. Out of this, 255 applicants are from the South West, including 185 MSc and 70 PhD candidates. The applicants were selected from universities nationwide.”

He explained that the scholarship scheme covers fields such as engineering, science, management, geo-science, and ICT, with a transparent selection process in place. To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian, have at least a second class upper division in their first degree, and possess good O’ Level results. The shortlisted candidates undergo interviews conducted by a panel of experts to ensure that only the most qualified are selected.

“With the renewed hope of Mr. President, our aim is to get candidates that would add value to the oil and gas sector,” Mr. Ibiyeye added.

When asked about the number of candidates who would eventually receive the scholarship, he indicated that the decision rests with the management. “Our own job is to present the best candidates to the management,” he said.

He further highlighted that the interview panels comprise professionals from various fields, none of whom are PTDF staff. Additionally, representatives from the Federal Character Commission were present to monitor the process. Mr. Ibiyeye assured that the procedure was conducted fairly, noting, “We gave them opportunities to discuss with us if they are not satisfied with the process, and so far, none of them have complained.”

Some of the candidates shared their experiences during the interview. Mr. Ridwan Kayode, an MSc Computer Science candidate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, said, “I applied for the PTDF scholarship and was shortlisted. I learned about this scholarship on social media. At first, I didn’t take it seriously, but a friend who got the scholarship before encouraged me to apply.”

Another applicant, Olufemi Okunowo, who is vying for a PhD scholarship, recounted, “I applied online, and about two months ago, I saw my name on the list of shortlisted candidates. This is my third attempt; I had previously applied for the foreign scholarship in 2001 and 2002 without success. This year, I am applying to study my PhD in Nigeria.”

Mrs. Yetunde Oriji, from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, remarked, “This is my first time applying for this scholarship. The interview process is thorough, and the panelists are strict.”

The PTDF scholarship program remains one of Nigeria's most sought-after opportunities for postgraduate students, aiming to support education and capacity building in the oil and gas sector.