How to increase your chances of getting a PTDF scholarship

If you are a fresh graduate interested in how to increase your chances of getting a PDF scholarship, I will be talking about all the guidelines you need to follow to make a successful application.

What is a PTDF scholarship?

The PTDF which is a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria simply stands for Petroleum Technology Development Fund. The Nigerian Government established this scholarship scheme in the year 1973 and its primary aim is to make sure that Nigerian students are equipped with the skill set and intellectual foundation they need to actively participate fully in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry after they have concluded their studies. The agency sponsorship duration is between twelve and twenty-four months for master’s Students and thirty-six months for students doing their Ph.D. As a Nigerian student, you must have completed your undergraduate degree for you to be able to apply for this scholarship because there are no awards for undergraduate studies under the scheme currently.

The role of PTDF in supporting Nigerian students

The primary role of PTDF is in Supporting Nigerian Students Through Scholarships and Quality Training. This annual program for both master’s and doctorate students has so many impacts which I will quickly highlight below:

Develops skilled manpower: One of the major benefits of the PTDF scholarship is the nurturing of talent in relevant fields, they ensure a steady pool of only qualified candidates for the Nigerian oil and gas industry thereby making the scholarship highly competitive. They also tend to promote the research and acquisition of technologies that are highly relevant in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the oil and gas sector.
Increases international exposure for qualified candidates: These Overseas scholarships will greatly help Nigerian students to gain global perspectives and knowledge from renowned universities, enhancing their competitiveness. They also offer candidates the opportunity to benefit from a diversified pool of knowledge and the facilities offered by world-class institutions across the globe. Candidates are offered the opportunity to study in world-class facilities where they will also have the opportunity to experience new cultures and work environments.
It helps boost research and innovation: The PTDF Scholarship recipients often engage in research aligned with industry needs, thereby contributing to technological advancements in the oil and gas sector
Empowers the scholarship recipients: financial support and opportunities for educational advancement, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds are made available for the scholarship recipients. The award Schemincludes the provision of their flight tickets, payment of health insurance, payment of tuition as well as the payment of allowances to meet their costs of accommodation and living expenses.

PTDF Scholarship 2024/2025

PTDF offers a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, both within Nigeria and abroad. These programs cover diverse fields related to the oil and gas industry, which includes engineering, geology, geosciences, petroleum economics, and management.

Types of Scholarship available in PTDF:
- Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS): This part of the scholarship Schemes supports postgraduate studies in specific universities worldwide. For this scheme year’s 2024/2025 award, their application would be limited to universities partnering with them in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The reason for this limitation is to make sure that Fund is certain so that the scholarship’s high standards can be maintained, and the objectives of the scheme will be achieved. There are seventy-nine universities (79) in total that are approved for the Overseas Scholarship scheme (OSS). It is advisable you conduct research on your chosen country and make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements of the school and course you are applying for. There are varieties for university to choose from so you would find something that aligns with you perfectly.
- In-Country Scholarship Scheme (ISS): The ISS scheme is made to Support postgraduate and undergraduate studies in selected Nigerian universities. For this year PTDF scholarship 2024/2025, only the university of Maiduguri is selected. If you are interested in having your post-graduate degree here in Nigeria, then check out the university requirements and available courses that aligns with your qualifications.
- Specialized Training Programs: They also Short-term vocational and professional development programs for industry-specific skills.

PTDF scholarship requirements

To be eligible for the PTDF MSC scholarship, here are the requirements:

You must be a Nigerian citizen
Must have completed a first degree with at least Second-Class Upper Division in any relevant discipline from a recognized university
Have a valid international passport
Have good knowledge of Computer
Relevant industry experience would be a plus
You must be in possession of 5 O/level credits, which includes English Language and Mathematics.
Write a maximum of 500 words Statement of purpose stating the reason(s) for the proposed study, the relevance of your proposed study to the industry and its expected impact on national development.
Before applying for the scholarship, Applicants must have a National Identity Number (NIN) and will be required to have verified it (NIMC verification charges apply)
If you are interested in applying, the PTDF scholarship is open for graduates that must have completed their one-year mandatory service (NYSC)

Who is eligible for the PTDF PHD Scholarship?

To be eligible for the PTDF PHD scholarship, here are the requirements:

Must have completed a first degree with at least Second-Class Upper Division in any relevant discipline from a recognized university
Have a valid international passport
Have good knowledge of Computer
Submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas sector. The proposal must include Topic, introduction, objective, methodology and mode of data collection. In addition, the proposal shouldn’t be more than five (5) pages.
Check for the approved PhD Research Areas on this link [https://ptdf-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/dev_ptdf_gov_ng/EYNUzXzQtwBKiUC8YWWzpMgBJRfLc8GSvAFQO6LZYMAMzg]
Also, for lecturers, you must produce a letter from your Vice Chancellors confirming that you are not in receipt of any other scholarships

Scholarship program selection process

Academic Merit:

Formal Qualifications: Showcase the quality of your degrees through transcripts, highlighting exceptional marks, awards, or distinctions.
Professional Achievements: Include any relevant professional qualifications obtained beyond traditional degrees, showcasing ongoing learning and skill development.

Research Output (for PhD Applicants):

Publications: Reference relevant publications and presentations, demonstrating your research experience and contribution to the field. Cite impactful work aligned with the oil and gas industry or your proposed field of study.

Professional Engagement:

Membership: Highlight your active membership in professional bodies associated with your field or the oil and gas industry. Demonstrate professional networking and engagement within relevant communities.

Program/Research Plan Viability:

Clarity and Purpose: Clearly outline your proposed study/research plan, detailing its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Ensure your plan is well-structured, feasible, and relevant to the chosen program or research area.
Industry Connection: Emphasize the specific relevance of your study/research plan to the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Explain how your work would contribute to industry advancement, address existing challenges, or develop innovative solutions.

Prior Experience (Optional):

Past Studies: Briefly mention how your previous studies have laid the foundation for your current focus and how they demonstrate an understanding of the oil and gas industry (if applicable).

Required Documents for PTDF Scholarship 2024

First Degree Certificate: Scan and upload your official degree certificate or a certified statement of result.
NYSC Discharge Certificate: Show proof of completing the National Youth Service Corps program.
WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO Results: Upload scanned copies of your O’level results with the corresponding PINs for verification.
Recent Passport Photograph: Include a professional, high-resolution passport photo.
Local Government Identification Letter: Provide verification of your local government area registration.

Additional Documents (PhD Applicants Only):

Master’s Degree Certificate: Upload your official master’s degree certificate for verification.
Professional Affiliations: Prove your membership in relevant professional associations through membership certificates or ID cards.

Remember:

All documents should be scanned clearly and saved in PDF format.
File sizes should be within the specified limits to avoid upload issues.
Double-check for completeness and accuracy before submitting your application.

By submitting all required documents promptly, you demonstrate your readiness and attention to detail, enhancing your application’s strength. Good luck!