606 Bauchi Candidates Shortlisted for PTDF Overseas Scholarships in Oil, Gas and Renewables
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has shortlisted 606 candidates from Bauchi State for its PhD and MSc scholarship programme abroad.
Mr. Suraju Fari, Head of Overseas Scholarship for PTDF in Bauchi, stated this during the screening and physical verification of the shortlisted candidates today, said the focus is strictly on oil and gas or renewable energy related programmes.
“The rigorous screening process involves evaluating O’level certificates, first degrees, and even second degrees for PhD applicants. Shortlisted candidates must also demonstrate competency in defending their research proposals.
“The process is transparent,” Fari assured. “We advertise and give applicants six weeks to apply. A computer initially shortlists candidates, but our staff review these selections to ensure no one bypasses the system.”
This transparency is lauded by scholarship hopefuls, Ijantiku John, applying for a Masters in Environmental Science in Germany, said, “The questions are relevant to your field, and everything is transparent.”
Another shortlisted candidate, Hussaini Mohammed, aiming for a PhD in chemical engineering in Germany, echoed this sentiment.
The PTDF scholarship programme aims to develop skilled professionals for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
Dr. Usman Hassan, a panellist and Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, believes PTDF scholars are “outshining” due to the program’s merit-based selection process.
