The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has conducted nationwide screening for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme, targeting candidates for master’s and doctoral studies in petroleum-related fields.
The exercise aims to identify top talents who will contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector through advanced research and training abroad.
According to PTDF officials, the screening marks the final stage before scholarship awards, following an overwhelming 38,398 applications received nationwide.
In the North-West alone, 681 MSc candidates were screened at the College of Energy Studies in Kaduna.
The exercise is being held simultaneously across all six geopolitical zones from April 7 to 17.
In the South-East, at least 173 candidates drawn from various tertiary institutions are participating in the selection process.
Speaking during the Kaduna session, Team Lead Bashir Ahmed Rufai described the interviews as a rigorous final step to ensure only the most qualified candidates are selected.
Similarly, Afam Ikwuemesi noted that the initiative is designed to groom skilled professionals for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
In the North-East, 266 candidates were shortlisted for master’s programmes and 158 for PhDs.
Officials explained that the screening process involves system verification, document checks, and final vetting by consultants to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.