PTDF Screens 2,102 PhD Scholarship Applicants For Germany, France And Malaysia

According to Ireporter Online, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the interview stage for 2,102 applicants under its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for PhD studies in France, Germany, and Malaysia.

Speaking during the screening exercise in Abuja, the Deputy General Manager of Education and Training, Dr. Mohammed Mustapha, disclosed that the nationwide interview process, which began last week, is expected to conclude on Friday. He confirmed that a total of 2,102 candidates were screened across the country, with 912 of them examined at the Abuja centre alone over a five-day period.

Mustapha noted that the final selection of successful candidates would depend on budgetary provisions and management decisions, adding that the scholarship award process would also comply with Federal Character requirements, ensuring one beneficiary per state, while oil-producing states would receive an additional slot each. He further explained that competition remains intense, as selection is based strictly on merit, with the highest-scoring candidate from each state typically emerging successful.

Officials of the Federal Character Commission were also present to monitor the exercise. The State Coordinator, Mr. John Imeji Uchara, alongside Commissioner Prof. Eugene Aleba, said their role was to ensure transparency, fairness, equity, and balance in the selection process to prevent any form of imbalance or complaints.

Some applicants expressed optimism about their chances. A chemical engineer, Tanko Fwadwabea, said his research focuses on process simulation for blue hydrogen production aimed at supporting Nigeria’s transition to low-carbon energy through better utilization of natural gas resources. Another applicant, Cornelia Collins-Onoha, with a background in Geosciences, said her study examines the spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes in oil-impacted aquatic environments and their impact on public health.

A panelist, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, described the exercise as smooth and effective, noting that assessors are focused on candidates’ academic background, research quality, and overall capacity to undertake doctoral studies.