•FG opens applications for second phase of TVET programme
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), yesterday, reiterated its commitment to merit, transparency and national development, as it conducted interviews for its Overseas Scholarship Scheme in Ibadan, amid growing interest from applicants across the country.

At the South-West screening centre, officials of the Federal Character Commission monitored the process, insisting that the exercise aligns with constitutional provisions on equity and fairness in public opportunities.

A Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, said the Commission’s presence was to ensure that no candidate was disadvantaged in the selection process.

According to him, the scholarship interviews, being conducted simultaneously across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reflect a deliberate effort to guarantee inclusiveness.

He also dismissed insinuations of political interference, noting that the multi-layered screening system, comprising application, automated shortlisting and panel interviews, was designed to uphold merit.

Bawa-Allah disclosed that about 38,000 applications were received nationwide, with just over 6,000 candidates shortlisted, while 296 applicants were being interviewed at the Ibadan centre.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme aimed at boosting skills acquisition and employment.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a post on his X handle yesterday, describing the initiative as a key component of the administration’s human capital development drive.

He noted that the programme recorded significant interest during its first phase, with over 1.3 million applications received nationwide.

“Last year, over 1.3 million Nigerians applied, a powerful reminder of the growing demand for practical skills and the impact they can have on people’s lives and our economy,” he added.

Alausa said the application portal would open at 04:00 p.m. (WAT), urging Nigerians across age groups to take advantage of the opportunity.