The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has recorded mass failure in the latest screening of its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), with a few applicants advancing to the final stage for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Out of more than 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 5,885 candidates—representing roughly 15 percent—have been shortlisted for interviews, the Fund said.
The screening exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, is being conducted simultaneously across six centres in Nigeria’s geo-political zones, including Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu, and Oyo.
Speaking at the Abuja centre, PTDF’s Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, Dr. Bello Mustapha, said the decentralised approach is aimed at easing access for candidates, who were given the flexibility to attend interviews at any location regardless of their state of origin.
He described the selection process as rigorous and merit-driven, adding that only candidates who met strict academic and professional benchmarks were shortlisted.
Eligibility requirements, he hinted, include a minimum of a second-class upper degree, alongside strong secondary school results and, in some cases, relevant work experience.
He explained that these criteria are designed to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are considered for the limited slots available.
He said awards will depend on budgetary provisions and approval from management, suggesting that not all shortlisted candidates will secure scholarships.
The Fund also reiterated its commitment to the federal character principle, indicating that final selections will reflect equitable representation across states, a move that balances merit with inclusivity.
The OSS programme targets petroleum-related disciplines, although courses in management and petroleum law are also supported to strengthen capacity across the broader energy sector.
