The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has selected 400 candidates for screening in the North East for scholarships in foreign universities to undergo Masters and PhD studies in various fields of environmental, engineering and computer sciences.

Speaking during the ongoing screening for candidates, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, explained that the Fund’s primary objective is to build capacities and competencies in the oil and gas industry.

He added that the scholarship programme is designed to support Nigerian students pursuing advanced degrees in oil and gas-related fields, with the goal of developing a pool of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of the industry.

Represented by the Manager of Research and Innovation at PTDF in North East, Malam Munir Abubakar, stated that the Fund has designated Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) as the North East centre.

“We are doing this across the country –six geopolitical zones. Ibadan in the South West, Bauchi in the North, Enugu in the South East, Kaduna in the North West, Port-Harcourt in the South South and Abuja in the North Central. All of these applicants applied strictly online, and they don’t have to know anyone.

“Our first point of criteria is their university grade, we look out for 2:1 and others. After that, we screen their credentials before proceeding to a physical interview by our team of panellists, who are being guided by strict professionalism and on our terms.

“We have a transparent process. We have a team of Federal Characters to ensure compliance with the procedures.”

According to him, the duration of the PhD programme is two years, while the Masters programme is five years.

A candidate from Gombe State, Bello Abubakar Dauda, expressed optimism that he would benefit from the scholarship. He lauded the selection process, saying that it is transparent and fair.