The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has selected 400 candidates for screening in the North East for scholarships in foreign universities to undergo master’s and doctoral studies in various fields of environmental, engineering and computer sciences.

Speaking during the ongoing screening for candidates, PTDF’s Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, explained that the Fund’s primary objective was to build capacities and competencies in the oil and gas industry.

He added that the scholarship programme is designed to support Nigerian students who are pursuing advanced degrees in oil and gas-related fields, to develop a pool of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of the industry.

Represented by the Manager, Research and Innovation of PTDF in the North East, Munir Abubakar, the executive secretary said the Fund had chosen Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) as the North East centre.

He said: “We are doing this across the country – six geopolitical zones. Ibadan in the South West, Bauchi in the North East, Enugu in the South East, Kaduna in the North West, Port Harcourt in South-South and Abuja in the North Central. All of these applicants applied strictly online and they don’t have to know anyone.

“Our first point of criteria is their university grade; we look out for 2:1 and others. After that, we screen their credentials before proceeding to a physical interview by our team of panels who are being guided by strict professionalism and our terms.”

“We have a transparent process. We have a team of federal characters to ensure compliance with the procedures.”

According to him, the duration of the PhD programme is two years, while that of the master’s is five years.

A candidate from Gombe State, Bello Abubakar Dauda, expressed optimism that he would benefit from the scholarship.

He lauded the selection process, admitting transparency and fairness.