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PTDF Screens 424 Nigerians For Overseas Scholarships Big Opportunity!
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has screened 424 candidates for international scholarships to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in petroleum-related fields.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The nationwide exercise seeks to identify the most qualified applicants who will conduct development-focused research and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.
In the North-East, 266 candidates were shortlisted for master’s programmes, while 158 were selected for PhD studies.
Speaking at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University on Tuesday, Sirajo Abdullahi Fari, Deputy Manager (Services) at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, explained that the selection process involved three stages: system verification, document screening by PTDF personnel, and vetting by a panel of consultants.
He noted that PTDF’s mandate is to develop human capital to address manpower gaps in the oil and gas industry, highlighting that the agency has been sponsoring students abroad for over 20 years with measurable contributions to the sector.
“We have received testimonies that our former scholars are now part of the workforce at the newly built Dangote Refinery, Shell, and other organisations. Many have also become professors and are serving as panelists,” Fari said.
He added that PTDF strictly upholds merit, ensuring that selections are based on qualifications rather than status, tribe, or connections.
Prof. Abubakar Isa Bello of Bayero University, one of the panelists, confirmed that the exercise was merit-based and free from external influence.
“We follow clear guidelines, and our recommendations are based solely on our assessment, while the Fund makes the final decision,” he explained.
Applicants praised the process for its transparency. Atiku Birama from Gombe State described the officials as friendly and professional, expressing optimism about the outcome.
“It is encouraging to see how seriously PTDF conducts the selection. The presence of experts and panelists reassures us that this scholarship is truly merit-based,” he said.
Fatima Abdullahi from Bauchi State added that the exercise boosted her confidence, noting:
“Even if I am not selected, this process has strengthened my ability to present and defend my research, preparing me for future academic and professional challenges.”
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has defended the presence of its officials at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention, describing it as part of normal diplomatic engagement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is free to join the ruling party at any time he chooses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, stressing that membership of the APC is voluntary and not forced on anyone.
According to him, Wike remains at liberty to decide his political future, and there is no obligation for appointees to formally join the ruling party before serving in government.
“If he wants to join the APC, he is free. We don’t compel people to join; they do so willingly,” he said.
He added that cross-party appointments are not new in Nigeria’s political history, noting that past administrations also appointed members of opposition parties into key positions.
Yilwatda cited examples such as Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero, who served as ministers under PDP governments despite being affiliated with other parties at the time.
He questioned the criticism directed at President Bola Tinubu over Wike’s appointment, arguing that similar decisions were taken by previous administrations without controversy.
The APC chairman also pointed to other non-APC members serving in the current government, saying Wike should not be singled out.
He further stated that Wike obtained approval from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before accepting the ministerial appointment in 2023.
Yilwatda maintained that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate openness by appointing individuals across party lines based on competence.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approved the appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, while addressing questions about Wike’s continued membership of the PDP despite serving in an APC-led government.
He explained that the appointment was not unusual, noting that past administrations had also appointed opposition members into ministerial positions.
According to him, former ministers such as Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero served under PDP-led governments despite their party affiliations at the time.
“President Jonathan discovered Bala Mohammed was good enough and brought him from ANPP,” he said.
“Aliero was also appointed by President Yar’Adua from ANPP because of his experience,” he added.
Yilwatda argued that criticism of President Tinubu over Wike’s appointment was unfair, insisting it followed past political precedents.
He also cited other opposition figures currently serving in the government, saying the focus on Wike alone was selective.
The APC chairman further claimed that Wike formally notified the PDP National Working Committee in 2023 before accepting the ministerial appointment, and that the party gave its approval.
“Wike wrote the National Working Committee of the PDP before he took the appointment,” he said.
“The National Working Committee approved that he should come and serve.”
Yilwatda maintained that Wike’s position in the current administration was with the consent of the PDP, not solely the APC.
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