PTDF scholarship embraces Tinubu’s renewable energy focus
By Adewale Owoade
The Overseas Scholarship Team Lead of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Mr Tajudeen Ibiyeye, says PTDF scholarship focuses more on President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to transition from petroleum to renewable energy.
Ibiyeye told newsmen in Ibadan that the 2024 scholarship interviews centered more on renewable energy and gas.
He stated that 5,733 candidates were shortlisted nationwide from over 16,000 applicants, with only 953 shortlisted for the Ibadan Centre interview.
Ibiyeye described the scholarship as a life-transforming opportunity to conduct research at top universities worldwide.
He assured Nigerians of a transparent interview process, pledging that the best candidates would be selected.
“In line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we have increased awareness. Part of what we have done differently this year is to make sure the process is more transparent.
“Part of what we are doing now is to focus on Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is transitioning from petroleum to renewable energy.
“What we are doing now in the selection process is to select more candidates for renewable energy and gas, which is a transition from fuel,” he said.
Dr Nuru Maikachi, a lecturer from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Bayero University, urged successful applicants to embrace patriotism and benefit the country after completing their programmes.
Maikachi, a panelist and former PTDF scholar, narrated how he benefited from the PTDF overseas scholarship for his Master’s and Ph.D. programmes and returned to contribute to the country.
“After my four years Ph.D at London Southern University, I had good offers in London from universities like Coventry University but I returned to Nigeria.
“I returned to Bayero University because I was bonded by the university and PTDF before I left for my Ph.D. This PTDF panel I am today is also a contribution to national development.
“As an ex-scholar, we have the experience and capacity to evaluate the technical skills and capacity of many applicants. So we were included in the selection committee,” he said.
Some applicants who spoke to journalists, expressed confidence in the interview process and promised to contribute to national development after the programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
