NEWS
PTDF Screens Applicants for 5,885 Overseas Scholarship
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced nationwide interviews for 5,885 shortlisted Nigerians drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for its overseas postgraduate scholarship programme.
The exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, is part of the PTDF 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme and is being conducted simultaneously across six centres nationwide, with officials insisting that merit and federal character principles will determine the final selection.
Speaking at the kickoff of the exercise in Abuja, the Deputy General Manager, Education and Training, PTDF, Bello Mustapha, said the interviews would run from April 7 to April 17 across the six geopolitical zones.
He said, “We are here to commence the interview process for the 2026–2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme. We just finished briefing the panelists, and the interviews have started on schedule.
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“The exercise is taking place concurrently in six centres across the country. In the North-Central, we are in Abuja; North-East, Bauchi; North-West, Kaduna; South-South, Rivers; South-East, Enugu; and South-West, Oyo.”
Findings, however, show that despite the increase in shortlisted candidates, the scheme has become more competitive compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the fund received over 29,000 applications for Master’s and PhD programmes and shortlisted about 5,000 candidates for interviews across the six geopolitical zones.
A comparison of both cycles indicates that applications rose by about 31 per cent from 29,000 in 2025 to over 38,000 in 2026. In contrast, the number of shortlisted candidates increased by a slower 17.7 per cent from 5,000 to 5,885.
This disparity has effectively reduced the selection rate, tightening candidates’ chances of making the shortlist. While about 17.2 per cent of applicants were shortlisted in 2025, the figure dropped to approximately 15.5 per cent in 2026.
“Over 38,000 people applied for this programme, but we shortlisted 5,885 candidates for the interviews. This shows how competitive the process is,” he said.
He explained that the shortlisted candidates would compete for limited slots in partner institutions across key global education destinations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
“We have partnerships with countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. That is why we are conducting these interviews, to determine those who will eventually be awarded the scholarships to study in these countries,” he added.
On concerns about fairness and regional balance, Mustapha emphasised that the final selection would strictly adhere to Nigeria’s federal character principle, with monitoring by relevant authorities to ensure transparency.
“The final selection is based on federal character. Each state is allocated a certain number of slots. For instance, if three MSc slots are assigned per state, then each state will produce three successful candidates.
“However, some oil-producing states may receive additional slots. The Federal Character Commission is also involved; they send officials to monitor the process and ensure fairness,” he said.
He clarified that while candidates were free to attend interviews at any centre nationwide, the eventual selection would still reflect equitable state representation.
“You can attend your interview in any centre of your choice. Someone from the South-East can come to Abuja, or vice versa. But when it comes to final selection, federal character is applied,” he added.
Addressing the wide gap between applicants and shortlisted candidates, Mustapha said PTDF deployed a rigorous screening process based on academic performance, relevant work experience, and other measurable criteria.
“We have our own parameters. You must meet those criteria before you are invited. For example, you need a First Class, Second Class Upper, or even a Second Class Lower with relevant working experience.
“We also grade your academic records, including your O-Level results. If you have an ‘A’ in certain subjects, you get higher marks. It is the total score that determines who is shortlisted,” he explained.
He, however, declined to state the exact number of eventual awardees, noting that the figure would depend on available funding.
“The number of successful candidates will depend on the budget. Management will determine that based on the financial provisions available,” he said.
NEWS
‘Celebrate This Poor Man’ – Shettima Defends Tinubu Over Economic Crisis
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to celebrate President Bola Tinubu, saying his leadership saved the country from a potential implosion.
Shettima said Nigeria’s economy had been teetering on the edge of collapse before Tinubu’s intervention, adding that the country could have faced a different situation.
“The economy was teetering on the edge of collapse, we were on a cliff edge,” the Vice President said.
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“So he literally saved the nation from an implosion. That could have been the scenario. So, instead of demonizing him, Nigerians ought to celebrate this poor man.”
Shettima also called for a return to the drawing board, expressing confidence in the leadership’s commitment and the prospects for the 2027 elections.
“I believe on the bottom of my heart that with this presentation I have seen, and with the commitment of our leadership, by the grace of God, we are going to win,” he said.
Speaking about the 2027 elections, the Vice President reminded his audience that social media platforms should not be mistaken for actual polling stations.
“There are no polling stations on Facebook or Instagram,” he said.
Shettima also expressed gratitude for the efforts made towards promoting the cause of the 2027 elections.
NEWS
FG Withdraws Charges Against ‘Fake Agency’ DG, Adeniyi Adeyemi
Following observed mis-steps, the Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the eight-count criminal charge brought against the alleged fake Director General (DG) of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Biztellers reports that the matter, in accordance with the counsel of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, (SAN), the matter will be filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), instead of the Federal High Court (FHC).
Consequently, upon an unopposed application for termination by the prosecution counsel and Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, struck out the matter.
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In a motion for the termination of the charges, Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has carried out a review of the case file of Adeyemi and the charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and found some loopholes.
The DPPF added that the documents allegedly forged by Adeyemi during his operations of the fake agency are those that can be prosecuted by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also informed the court that a new charge has been filed at the High Court of the FCT and that Adeyemi would be expeditiously arraigned afresh.
He therefore urged the judge to strike out the charge as required by law.
Following no objections from Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), who stood in for Adeyemi, Justice Umar subsequently terminated the charge.
Adeniyi, 38, was being tried alongside two others whose whereabouts are unknown, on charges bordering on conspiracy and forgery.
The two others said to be at large were identified as Femi (surname unknown) and Anu (surname unknown).
The charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2025, was entered against the defendant by the DPPF.
NEWS
Shell Identifies Keys to Nigeria’s Energy Future
To secure a bright energy for her teeming population, Nigeria must sustain the momentum of reform, accelerate investment, and deepen partnerships.
This view was expressed by Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Limited (SNEPCo) Ronald Adams in Lagos at the weekend.
Delivering a keynote address at the Africa Energy Conference (AEC) of the Lagos Business School (LBS), Adams called for regulatory certainty through efficient execution of reforms, sustained investment appeal to enable projects to move more swiftly from opportunity to production and partnership by operators, regulators, NNPC Limited and communities to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s resources.
Adams cited Nigeria’s huge oil and gas resources as an advantage but pointed out: “Resources alone do not guarantee prosperity. Prosperity comes when resources are matched with investment, technology, sound policy and disciplined execution. Success will be determined not by the size of our resources, but by our ability to convert them into investment and economic growth.”
Adams pledged the support of Shell towards a bright energy future of Nigerians. He said: “For more than six decades, Shell has been part of Nigeria’s energy journey. Together with our partners, we have helped develop major energy infrastructure, supported Nigerian businesses, invested in talent, and contributed to economic development. Bonga remains a powerful example of what technology, partnership and Nigerian capability can achieve in deepwater operations. Today, that story continues through Bonga North.”
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Issuing a clarion call for action by all stakeholders, he added: “The world is not standing still. Capital is moving, technology is advancing and competition is intensifying. The countries that attract investment tomorrow are those that improve competitiveness today. Nigeria has begun that journey. Our task is to sustain the momentum and translate reform into projects, projects into growth, and growth into shared prosperity.”
The conference, the 4th in the series had at its theme; “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future: Policy Reform, Capital Mobilisation, and Pathways to a Sustainable Power and Energy Market” and was attended by top government officials, industry captains, energy professionals, and students.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat represented Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the guest of honour. SNEPCo was a principal sponsor of the Africa Energy Conference (AEC) and mounted a well-received exhibition on its deepwater operations and social investments across Nigeria.





