Comprehensive Guide to the PTDF Scholarship

If you’re aiming to become a PTDF scholar, this article is tailored for you. We’ve compiled all the essential details regarding the PTDF Scholarship to help you navigate the application process successfully.

What is PTDF?

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) was established in 1973 as a parastatal under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, based on Decree No. 25 of that year.

Overview of PTDF

The PTDF is dedicated to fostering the development and implementation of petroleum technology and enhancing manpower through research and training. Its goal is to train Nigerians—graduates, professionals, technicians, and craftsmen—in various fields, including engineering, geology, geosciences, management, and economics, relevant to the petroleum and solid minerals sectors, both domestically and internationally.

The PTDF also runs an overseas scholarship program, which is an annual initiative aimed at providing Nigerian students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry upon their return.

Historical Background of PTDF

Prior to the establishment of PTDF, the Gulf Oil Company Training Fund existed, with its assets transitioning to PTDF after the enactment of the legislation that formed the fund. Initially functioning as a desk within the Department of Petroleum Resources, PTDF evolved into a fully operational government agency by the year 2000. It was formed through the repeal of the Gulf Oil Company Training Fund Act and was officially established by Act No. 25 of 1973.

Management Team of PTDF

The PTDF is led by an Executive Secretary and a diverse governing body, including:

1. Executive Secretary: Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau
2. General Manager, Nigerian Content and Industry Collaboration: Jacqueline Guyil
3. General Manager, Legal & Secretariat Services: Balarabe Z. Ahmad
4. General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation: Jide Adebulehin
5. General Manager, Education & Training: Ahmed Galadima Aminu
6. General Manager, Administration and Human Resources: Ahmadu Nasiru Dannupawa
7. General Manager, Projects: Ifeoma Nwokike

PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS)

The PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) was established to address the human capacity needs of the oil and gas industry. It facilitates the training of young Nigerians in various disciplines such as engineering, geology, environmental studies, and more at top-tier universities worldwide, including those in the United Kingdom, China, Germany, France, and the United States.

The OSS is specifically designed for MSc and PhD studies, with scholarship durations ranging from 12 to 36 months. Please note that no undergraduate scholarships are offered through this scheme.

Eligibility for PTDF Overseas Masters Scholarship

To qualify for the PTDF Overseas Masters Scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) or Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience.
• Have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
• Possess at least five O’level credits, including English Language.

Eligibility for PTDF PhD Overseas Scholarship

For the PTDF PhD Overseas Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a commendable second-degree certificate.
• Have completed the NYSC.
• Submit their Master’s degree project along with a relevant research proposal not exceeding five pages, including the topic, introduction, objectives, methodology, and data collection methods.

PTDF Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS)

In contrast to the Overseas Scholarship Scheme, the Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) offers scholarships for MSc, PhD, and even undergraduate studies, aiming to assist Nigerian students to take full advantage of the university upgrade and endowment programs offered by PTDF. This program operates across 25 universities and four centers of excellence in Nigeria.

PTDF Local Postgraduate Scholarship

The LSS for postgraduate students is an annual competition focused on MSc and PhD studies in Nigeria. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit, professional qualifications, and research viability. PhD applicants must also submit a statement of purpose outlining their study plans and its relevance to the industry.

PTDF Local Masters Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for the PTDF Local Masters Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in an oil and gas-related field or a 2.2 with at least two years of industry experience.
• Hold a full-time admission letter from a federal university.
• Provide their NYSC certificate or exemption letter.
• Have at least five credits in WAEC/SSCE/NECO results.
• Be computer literate and submit an academic transcript.

PTDF Local PhD Scholarship Eligibility

For the PhD scholarship under the LSS, applicants must:

• Hold a full-time admission letter from a federal university.
• Have at least a Second Class Upper (2.1) in their first degree and a merit grade in their Master’s degree in an oil and gas-related discipline.
• Provide a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry.

PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

The LSS also offers scholarships for ten undergraduate students from each state, targeting students enrolled in federal universities.

Eligibility for PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be full-time students in their second year at any federal university.
• Pursue a course related to the oil and gas industry.
• Have at least five WAEC/SSCE/NECO credits, including English and Mathematics.
• Maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a scale of 5 or 3.0 on a scale of 4, equivalent to 2.1 in their first year.

Scholarship Fields of Study

The PTDF scholarship emphasizes fields related to the oil and gas industry, including:

• Engineering
• Geology
• Environmental Studies
• Sciences
• Management
• Law
• Accounting
• Renewable Energy
• Information Technology

PTDF Scholarship Benefits

Local Scholarship Scheme (LSS) Benefits

The benefits under the LSS include:

• Cash support of N500,000.
• A new laptop.

Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) Benefits

Benefits under the OSS encompass:

• Coverage for flight tickets.
• Health insurance.
• Tuition and bench fees.
• Living allowances to cover accommodation and other expenses.

Application Process for PTDF Scholarship

To apply for the PTDF scholarship, create an account on the application portal and fill in your details. You can find more information and start your application on the PTDF official sites:

• PTDF Main Website
• Application Portal

Application Deadlines

The scholarship application window varies, but the annual deadline is typically December 31. Stay updated by visiting the PTDF website regularly.

Contact Information

For inquiries, you can reach PTDF through:

Address:

• PTDF Towers, Plot 1058 Memorial Drive, Opposite Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.

Phone: +234-9-291595
Email: info@ptdf.gov.ng
Website: www.ptdf.gov.ng

For the latest updates, follow PTDF on their social media pages:

• Facebook: PTDFng
• Twitter: @ptdf_Nigeria

Final Thoughts

Staying informed is crucial. To receive timely updates about the PTDF scholarship, keep an eye on the official website and social media channels.