Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, recently hosted representatives of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for a sensitization program on its In-Country Scholarship Scheme (ISS). The event, held on 30th April 2026, brought together members of the University Management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Jonah Akekere, Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Benard Stephen, Deans, Heads of Departments, lecturers, and students.
Leading the PTDF delegation, Mr. Obonin Ogiri Daddy, Deputy Manager, Audit Unit accompanied by Ebiare Ekiye, Chief Officer, Overseas Scholarship Scheme Division, delivered an engaging presentation outlining the structure, benefits, and application process of the PTDF scholarship schemes. The session focused primarily on the In-Country Scholarship Scheme (ISS), designed to support students within Nigerian universities, while also highlighting the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS). Mr. Daddy explained that the ISS caters to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas sector, including Engineering, Geo-sciences, Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Management Sciences. For undergraduate applicants, eligibility requires a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale (or its equivalent), with applicants expected to be in 200 level and above, as final-year students are not eligible.
He further noted that the scholarship offers significant benefits, including full tuition refunds, annual living allowances, ICT support, and project funding for final-year students. In a move to curb fraudulent practices, PTDF has introduced a new application system in which student academic records will be submitted directly to the Fund through an appointed institutional coordinator, rather than by the students themselves. For postgraduate applicants, PTDF emphasized the compulsory requirement of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, noting that candidates without proof of completion, exemption, or discharge would be automatically disqualified.
The interactive session also addressed key concerns from participants. PTDF clarified that students already benefiting from other Federal Government scholarships should not apply, while those accessing student loans such as NELFUND remain eligible. Additionally, the Fund reiterated that its scholarships do not come with employment bonds, allowing beneficiaries the freedom to pursue careers of their choice after completion. Beyond student-focused opportunities, the PTDF delegation highlighted research and development initiatives available to university staff, including competitive research grants, professorial chairs, and support for patenting innovative work in the oil and gas sector. The University was encouraged to engage directly with PTDF Management to explore inclusion in upcoming research programmes.
In his closing remarks, the Dean of Science, Prof. Timi Tarawou, expressed appreciation to the PTDF team for the informative session, urging students and staff to take full advantage of the opportunities presented.
