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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has reaffirmed that candidates for its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) will continue to be selected strictly on merit, as the agency commenced interviews for shortlisted applicants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The assurance was given on Monday during the South-West interview session held at the University of Ibadan, where PTDF officials said the scholarship process remains structured to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
The agency’s position was further reinforced by representatives of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), who monitored the exercise and confirmed compliance with federal principles guiding equitable representation.
FCC confirms fairness in PTDF selection process
Speaking during the exercise, Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State at the FCC, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, said the commission’s oversight role was to ensure that no applicant was unfairly treated during the process.
According to him, the interview exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all geopolitical zones, reflecting PTDF’s effort to maintain national spread and fairness in candidate selection.
He noted that the agency had complied with the Federal Character principle in both shortlisting and interview administration.
“We are here to supervise and ensure that every shortlisted applicant is treated fairly and given equal opportunity,” he said.
Bawa-Allah also dismissed concerns over political influence in the selection process, insisting that PTDF’s scholarship framework is insulated from interference.
He stated that from application to final screening, only candidates who meet the academic and professional criteria would be selected.
Over 38,000 applications received nationwide
PTDF’s Team Lead for the PhD Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Tajudeen Ibiyeye, disclosed that the fund received about 38,000 applications nationwide for the current cycle.
Out of this number, slightly above 6,000 candidates were shortlisted after a multi-stage screening process involving computer-based tests and academic evaluation by panels of professors.
At the Ibadan centre alone, 296 candidates are being interviewed.
Ibiyeye explained that the scholarship selection process begins with public advertisement, followed by aptitude screening and document review before shortlisted applicants are invited for oral interviews.
He stressed that each candidate must present authentic credentials and defend their proposed research before expert panels.
“Selection is strictly based on merit,” he said.
Focus expanding beyond oil and gas into energy transition
Ibiyeye added that PTDF is increasingly aligning the scholarship scheme with emerging global energy realities, including energy transition and sustainability.
He said the programme has helped reduce Nigeria’s technical skill shortages in the oil and gas sector over the years and is now evolving to prepare scholars for future energy demands.
He also noted that funding for beneficiaries is handled promptly to ensure financial stability while studying abroad.
According to him, PTDF has strengthened collaboration with international energy companies, including Shell plc, to improve industry integration and ensure returning scholars contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
Experts say scholarship is strengthening local expertise
Panel member Prof Byami Jolly of Ahmadu Bello University said candidates are assessed on their ability to identify research gaps and propose practical, industry-relevant solutions.
She explained that strong preference is given to applicants whose research aligns with Nigeria’s petroleum and energy sector needs.
Another panelist, Prof Olalere Adeyemi, said PTDF’s scholarship investments have significantly boosted Nigeria’s human capital in specialised energy disciplines.
He noted that the initiative is helping reduce dependence on foreign technical professionals by building a stronger domestic knowledge base.
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme funds MSc and PhD studies for Nigerians in leading universities across Europe and Asia, with the long-term goal of deepening indigenous expertise in the energy sector.
