Petroleum Technology Development Fund Shortlists 5,885 Candidates For 2026 Overseas Scholarship Selection

The PTDF launches nationwide interviews for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme, shortlisting 5,885 candidates for master’s and PhD programs abroad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 9:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

National Launch Of Scholarship Screening

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund officially initiated the screening process for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme on Tuesday in Abuja. This annual exercise aims to identify qualified Nigerian graduates for advanced postgraduate studies in technical and management fields related to the oil and gas industry. Dr. Bello Mustapha, the Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, oversaw the start of the interviews, marking the first stage of a rigorous final selection process designed to bolster Nigeria's energy sector expertise.

Selective Shortlisting From Massive Applicant Pool

According to Dr. Mustapha, the Fund received over 38,000 applications during the initial call for interest, highlighting the competitive nature of the program. Following a transparent review of academic credentials and professional backgrounds, only 5,885 candidates were cleared for the interview phase. The criteria for shortlisting were described as exceptionally strict, requiring applicants to possess at least a second class upper degree and maintaining a high standard for secondary school results, which also factored into the cumulative evaluation scores.

Simultaneous Decentralized Interview Centers

To ensure accessibility for all applicants, the interview exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Specific centers were established in Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu, and Oyo to accommodate candidates regardless of their state of origin. This decentralized approach allows shortlisted individuals to attend the screening at their preferred location, a move intended to streamline logistics and ensure that no candidate is disenfranchised due to geographic constraints.