The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme is once again in the spotlight as the Federal Government faces fresh calls to sustain and expand the initiative driving Nigeria’s oil and gas expertise The latest development comes as 243 PhD candidates were screened in Port Harcourt, highlighting growing interest and talent in the sector
Experts believe the program is critical to building indigenous capacity and reducing reliance on foreign expertise With Nigeria’s energy sector evolving rapidly, stakeholders say sustained investment in education and research is now more important than ever
243 PhD Candidates Screened in Rivers
A total of 243 candidates were shortlisted and screened for the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) at the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The screening exercise, focused on PhD applicants from the South South region, attracted highly qualified candidates with research proposals targeting key areas in the oil and gas industry and beyond
FG Urged to Sustain PTDF Scholarship Program
A Professor of Metallurgical and Material Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Dungka George Thompson, called on the Federal Government to ensure the continuity of the scholarship scheme
According to him, the program plays a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and advancing development across multiple sectors
A Wonderful Program Prof Thompson
Prof. Thompson described the initiative as impactful, noting that candidates demonstrated exceptional knowledge and innovative research ideas
He emphasized that participants are not limited to engineering alone but also contribute to fields like geology and management, expanding the program’s relevance to the broader economy
PTDF Explains Scholarship Objectives
A Deputy Manager in the Internal Audit Division of PTDF, Obonin Daddy, explained that the scheme is designed to bridge the gap in local expertise within the oil and gas industry
He noted that the program equips Nigerians with the technical knowledge required to thrive in a complex and dynamic sector
Transparent Selection Process
Obonin stressed that the selection process is strictly merit based, focusing on applicants’ qualifications and the quality of their research proposals
He also revealed that the PTDF has transitioned to a split site PhD model, where scholars spend one year abroad and two years in Nigeria
Commitment to Scholars’ Welfare
PTDF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting scholars financially, ensuring timely payment of tuition, stipends, and other obligations
Officials highlighted that the agency has maintained a strong track record with international partner universities, with no history of default
Why the PTDF Scholarship Matters
The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme remains a flagship initiative aimed at building a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
Stakeholders say sustaining the program will not only boost local expertise but also position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global energy industry
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