By EMMANUELLA ANOKAM

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has begun screening of 5,885 shortlisted candidates nationwide for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for MSc and Ph.D award.

Dr Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager, Education and Training, PTDF, said this during the commencement of the interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the Fund received over 38,000 applications while 5,885 were shortlisted under transparent process.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise is taking place concurrently across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria as follows: North-central – Abuja; North-East – Bauchi; North-West – Kaduna; South-South – Rivers; South-East – Enugu; South-West – Oyo.

“The shortlisted candidates are drawn from over 38,000 applicants who indicated interest in the scholarship programme. The selection is based on strict criteria, including academic performance, relevant work experience and overall qualifications of applicants.

“Candidates must possess at least a second class upper degree, alongside other requirements, to qualify for consideration. Secondary school results are also assessed, with grades contributing to the overall evaluation of applicants,” he said.

He said the interview process was being conducted simultaneously in six centres across the six geopolitical zones, adding that candidates were allowed to attend interviews at any centre of their choice, regardless of their state of origin.

Mustapha said the final selection would reflect the Federal Character principle, ensuring equitable representation across states.

He added that the number of successful candidates would depend on available budgetary provisions and management approval.

According to him, the scheme covers petroleum-related courses, with some supporting programmes such as management and petroleum law also included.

Some of the candidates also expressed delight to the Federal Government for the opportunity to be selected for postgraduates studies abroad and promised to utilise the career advancement properly if successful.

Miss Maria Ochanya, a graduate of Biochemistry who expressed gratitude for the opportunity said the scheme would give her the foundation to study MSc in Industrial Biotechnology and equally give back to the society.

Mr Alhaji Ikoh, who applied for MSc Environmental Science with a background in Architecture described the process as professional, while expressing optimism to be awarded to study abroad. (NAN)

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