PTDF Commences Nationwide Screening of 5,885 Shortlisted Candidates for 2026 Overseas Scholarship Scheme

The PTDF begins interviewing 5,885 shortlisted candidates across Nigeria for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme for MSc and PhD awards.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Nigerian

Launch of National Postgraduate Selection Exercise

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund initiated the formal screening of 5,885 shortlisted candidates on Tuesday for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme. This exercise, aimed at awarding both MSc and PhD scholarships, represents a critical phase in the government’s efforts to build high level technical capacity within the energy sector. Dr. Bello Mustapha, the Fund’s Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, announced the commencement during an opening session in Abuja, highlighting the scale of the human capital investment being undertaken by the agency.

Competitive Application and Shortlisting Standards

The current cohort of 5,885 candidates was selected from an extensive pool of over 38,000 applicants who expressed interest in the scholarship program. According to Mustapha, the shortlisting process was governed by strict academic and professional criteria to ensure only the most qualified individuals progressed to the interview stage. Primary requirements included the possession of at least a second class upper degree, while secondary school results and relevant work experience also factored into the comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s profile.

Decentralized Interviewing Across Geopolitical Zones

To ensure nationwide accessibility and administrative efficiency, the interview process is being conducted concurrently across six geopolitical zones. The designated centers include Abuja for the North Central, Bauchi for the North East, Kaduna for the North West, Rivers for the South South, Enugu for the South East, and Oyo for the South West. In a move to accommodate logistical needs, candidates were permitted to attend interviews at any center of their choosing, regardless of their specific state of origin, though final selections will strictly adhere to the Federal Character principle.