PTDF introduces split-side programme for PhD overseas scholars

By Oluseye Ojo

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has introduced split-side programme for candidates that would benefit from the 2025/26 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for doctoral programmes award. The Team Lead for PTDF at the Ibadan Centre and Manager of the College of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, Masud Mohammed, made the disclosure on the side lines of the screening for 931 candidates in Ibadan Centre for the Overseas MSc and PhD scholarships to specific programmes at selected institutions. The selection interview process took place at the Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, which is the only centre in the South West.

He stated that the split-side programme, starting in 2025, would be for all PhD programmes in the United Kingdom. He added that the programmes would enable scholars to conduct research in Nigeria and the UK by dividing their residency between the PTDF-owned College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), and any of the three partner universities in the United Kingdom. “We are domesticating our activities, and developing the nation for domestication,” he said.

He also gave a breakdown of the 931 candidates interviewed for the scholarship at Ibadan Centre. He said they comprised 749 candidates for Master’s degrees, and another 182 candidates for doctoral programmes.

Mohammed stated that the scholarship scheme was initiated in a bid to bolster Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and produce next generation of industry leaders. He added that one of the mandates of the PTDF is the responsibility of developing capacity for the oil and gas industry.

“The PTDF is committed to developing capacity within the oil and gas sector, and this scholarship initiative is a vital part of fulfilling that mandate,” Mohamed stated during an interview. Four among the candidates for doctoral programmes, Funke Olaonipekun, Uchechukwu Michael Ginika, Adeyoba Adeola Samuel, and Emeka James Omele, expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the scholarship opportunities.