1,643 PhD, MSc Students Compete for PTDF Scholarship

No fewer than 1,643 PhD and MSc students are vying for the highly competitive Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) scholarship scheme.

The applicants, drawn from various universities across Nigeria, are seeking scholarships to pursue advanced degrees in fields critical to the oil and gas sector. This was revealed by Mr. Tajudeen Ibiyeye, Chief Officer and Team Leader for the South West during the ongoing interviews for the 2023 in-country PTDF scholarship at the Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan.

“For this year, we have 1,643 applicants for both MSc and PhD scholarship programmes. Out of this number, 255 applicants are from the South West, comprising 185 MSc and 70 PhD candidates. These candidates were selected from universities across the country,” Ibiyeye stated.

He further explained that the scholarship covers disciplines such as engineering, science, management, geoscience, and information and communications technology (ICT). The selection process, according to him, is highly transparent, with strict eligibility criteria that include being a Nigerian citizen, holding a minimum of a Second Class Upper Division in one’s first degree, and having a solid O’ Level result.

“After the initial shortlisting, applicants face a panel of experts who will assess them to identify the best candidates,” Ibiyeye said. He also emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, in line with the aspirations of the current administration.

When asked about the number of successful candidates, Ibiyeye noted that the decision would ultimately rest with PTDF management. “Our job is to present the best candidates to management,” he added.

He further clarified that the panelists were experts drawn from various fields and are not PTDF employees. Additionally, officials from the Federal Character Commission are overseeing the process to ensure fairness. “We also provide opportunities for candidates to voice any concerns, but so far, no complaints have been raised,” Ibiyeye concluded.

Applicant Experiences

One of the applicants, Mr. Ridwan Kayode, an MSc Computer Science student from Obafemi Awolowo University, shared his journey: “I learned about the PTDF scholarship through social media. Initially, I didn’t take it seriously, but after a friend who had previously won the scholarship encouraged me, I applied.”

Another applicant, Olufemi Okunowo, expressed his persistence in seeking the scholarship: “This is my third attempt. I applied for the foreign PTDF scholarship in 2001 and 2002 but was unsuccessful. This year, I’m applying to pursue my PhD in Nigeria.”

Mrs. Yetunde Oriji, a first-time applicant from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), commended the thoroughness of the interview process. “The panelists were very strict, but the process has been very good,” she said.

The PTDF scholarship scheme continues to attract a large pool of candidates, with applicants hopeful of securing financial support to advance their studies and contribute to the country’s oil and gas industry.