Over 5,800 Candidates Face Interviews as Petroleum Technology Development Fund Advances 2026 Overseas Scholarship Process

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PDTF) on Tuesday conducted interviews for 5,885 candidates shortlisted from more than 38,000 applicants for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS).

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Fund’s Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, Bello Mustapha, said the exercise was held simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to Mustapha, the scholarship programme is targeted at Master’s degree applicants, with partnerships spanning countries such as Germany, France, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

“We are here to commence the interview process for the 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme. From about 39,000 applicants, we shortlisted 5,885 candidates for interviews,” he said.

Interview centres were spread across key institutions, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka in the Southeast, Bauchi in the Northeast, and Kaduna State University in the Northwest, among others.

Mustapha noted that the exercise reflects the federal character principle, adding that each state is expected to produce at least three successful candidates, while oil-producing states may receive additional slots.

He outlined the eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerians with strong academic qualifications—ranging from First Class to Second Class Lower degrees—as well as relevant work experience. He added that secondary school results also form part of the assessment.

On the number of eventual beneficiaries, Mustapha explained that it would depend on available funding. “It all depends on the budget and the management. The management will decide based on the budgetary conditions,” he said.

Some applicants expressed satisfaction with the process. One of them, Maria Ochanya Ogbe from Benue State, said she hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Industrial Biotechnology.

Another candidate, Alhaji Ikoh from Kogi State, who applied to study Environmental Science, described the process as seamless and transparent.

“I was shortlisted without knowing anyone. I even got the interview information through hearsay,” he said.

The Overseas Scholarship Scheme remains one of PDTF’s flagship initiatives aimed at building human capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through international education and training.

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