Stakeholders have affirmed the transparency and credibility in the selection process of Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).
The stakeholders, including panelists, candidates and government representatives, made the assertion on the sidelines of the ongoing screening of PhD candidates for scholarships at the Ibadan centre on Monday.
A member of the interview panel, Prof. Byami Jolley of Ahmadu Bello University, said that the selection process prioritises candidates with strong research capacity, particularly those able to identify gaps in existing literature and propose viable solutions relevant to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“We look for candidates who can conceptualise research, develop sound methodologies and demonstrate the enthusiasm to see their work through,” he said.
Jolley said that about 50 to 60 per cent of applicants align their research interests with challenges in the Nigerian energy sector, while others are guided to refine their proposals.
Another panelist, Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, of the Redeemers University, Ede, said that integrity, academic proposals and contribution to knowledge were critical in the assessment.
He added that the scheme was designed to build indigenous capacity and reduce reliance on foreign expertise in the oil and gas industry.
“The best candidates have been shortlisted, and the process is about selecting the most outstanding among them,” Adeyemi said.
He urged successful scholars to return to Nigeria after their studies to contribute to national development.
Also speaking, a Federal Commissioner with the Federal Character Commission, Mr Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, said the commission was overseeing the exercise to ensure equity, fairness and compliance with federal character principles.
He stressed that the process does not allow political interference, noting that only qualified candidates emerge successful.
“The exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all geo-political zones, and every candidate is given a fair opportunity,” he said.
On his part, PTDF Team Lead, Mr Tajudeen Ibiyeye, explained that the selection process began with public advertisement, followed by computer-based screening, academic review by professors and final interviews.
Ibiyeye disclosed that over 38,000 applications were received nationwide, with about 6,000 candidates shortlisted, while 296 candidates were invited for the interview in Ibadan centre.
He said that the scheme was central to PTDF’s mandate of capacity building, adding that scholars are selected based on relevance to Nigeria’s energy needs.
“The process is transparent. Candidates defend their proposals before panels, and selection is strictly on merit,” he said.
Some candidates who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the scholarship as a major opportunity to contribute to sustainable development in the energy sector.
An applicant, Mr Israel Ojo, said his research focuses on reducing carbon emissions through sustainable materials, while Miss Ebunoluwa Bolarinwa highlighted the importance of gas exploration as a cleaner energy alternative.
They advised prospective applicants to align their research with national priorities and develop strong proposals.NAN reports that the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme sponsors Nigerian students for MSc and PhD programmes in selected institutions in the UK, Germany, France, Malaysia and other countries.
