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.
ALSO READ: Law Firm Applauds Granting IOCs 100% Access to Export Earnings
“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.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
NDC Warns Judiciary Against Turning Courts Into Tools for Political Opposition
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
‘The Panic Is Real’ – Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
