The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the second phase of interviews for the 2026/2027 PhD award under its Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), targeting 2,102 PhD applicants across Nigeria.

Speaking during the screening on Monday in Abuja, Dr.

Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager, Education and Training, PTDF said the ongoing exercise followed the completion of MSc interviews conducted in four centres nationwide.

According to him, Abuja accounts for 912 candidates, scheduled for interviews over a five-day period, out of the 2,102 shortlisted nationwide.

Mustapha said the selection process followed the Federal Character principle, ensuring that candidates compete within their respective states, with top-performing applicants emerging based on merit.

He said the number of successful candidates to be awarded scholarships would depend strictly on budgetary provisions, with final decisions to be made by PTDF management after the interview process.

The PTDF official also disclosed that while the UK remains a destination for MSc scholars, the Fund has domesticated its PhD programme through a split-site arrangement involving partner universities, with candidates spending part of their study period abroad.

“Other countries participating in the scheme include Malaysia, Germany and France.

“The fund received over 30,000 applications for both MSc and PhD programmes, from which about 5,800 candidates were shortlisted for interviews,’’ he said.

The delegation from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) was on ground to monitor the ongoing PTDF 2026/2027 Scholarship selection for fairness

During the monitoring visit, the State Coordinator of the commission, John Uchara, accompanied by the Commissioner representing Benue State, Prof. Eugene Aleba, lauded PTDF for demonstrating compliance with federal character principles in the ongoing exercise.

Uchara said the commission’s presence was to ensure transparency, equity, and balance in the process, noting that the oversight was necessary to address concerns about marginalisation and imbalance in national opportunities.

“The exercise is open to candidates from all states of the federation, reinforcing inclusiveness in the selection process.

“Our duty is to ensure that what is being done here reflects the federal character principles, to avoid complaints from any part of Nigeria.

“From what we have seen, there is serious compliance with the principles. However, the final assessment will be based on the overall intake and how well it reflects national balance,” he said.

The FCC official, while reaffirming its commitment for continuous monitoring to ensure fairness and transparency, urged PTDF to consider expanding the scope of the programme to accommodate more qualified applicants.

A panelist at the ongoing interviews, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, described the quality of candidates as highly impressive, noting that the process was progressing smoothly and transparently.

“We have started the interviews very well, and the exercise is progressing smoothly with candidates demonstrating strong academic and research potential.

“The panel focuses primarily on assessing the overall quality of candidates, including their academic background, research capacity, and the relevance of their proposed PhD work to national development.

“We look at their first degree, their master’s performance, their ability, and the quality of the work they present, especially in terms of innovation, potential for patenting, and usefulness to the country,” he explained.

He said while preliminary screening such as verification of academic records and credentials had already been conducted by PTDF, the panel’s role was to evaluate the strength and originality of candidates’ PhD proposals, as well as their professional conduct and research experience.

On the integrity of the process, Aliyu disclosed that PTDF has put in place robust verification mechanisms, including document authentication and checks on publications, to ensure only credible candidates are selected.

Tanko Fwadwabea, a Chemical Engineer, said his proposed PhD research focused on process simulation for blue hydrogen production, with the goal of adding value to Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources while reducing carbon emissions.

He expressed optimism that the scholarship opportunity would enable him to realise his research ambitions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy future.

A returning candidate, Cornelia Collins-Onoha, a geosciences-based researcher while expressing optimism said her proposed PhD study focused on the spread and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant genes in aquatic environments, particularly in communities affected by oil pollution.

“I was here in 2025 but didn’t make the final list. However, I remain hopeful that this time around it will work out. This year, the process is prompter and more structured,” she said.

Collins-Onoha expressed confidence that her research and determination would contribute meaningfully to both environmental sustainability and public health in Nigeria.

Sri Lanka has issued guidelines to government institutions on the prudent use of fuel and energy amid possible disruptions to fuel imports caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services issued the guidelines to ministry secretaries, provincial and district secretaries, and heads of government and statutory institutions and called for measures to reduce fuel and electricity consumption across the public sector.

Officials have been advised to avoid using individual vehicles to commute to work and instead use public transport or group transport whenever possible, according to the office.

Government institutions have also been instructed to prepare daily transport plans to reduce the number of vehicles used for field duties.

The guidelines set out steps to conserve electricity and energy, including maximising natural lighting, reducing the use of air conditioning by relying more on electric fans, and limiting elevator use by encouraging people to take the stairs.

Local government authorities have been directed to switch off street lights during unnecessary hours and temporarily turn off street lighting in non-high-security areas as a precautionary measure, the office said.

The guidelines further encourage heads of institutions to allow staff to work remotely where technological facilities are available instead of requiring physical attendance.

The office urged all public officials to act responsibly, set an example for the public, and extend maximum support to national energy conservation and security efforts. 

International oil companies operating in Nigeria add other African countries are making significant progress in providing economic growth support to host communities which is now reducing restiveness in oil bearing regions.

According to Africa Energy Week, global energy companies’ now expanding local engagement reporting frameworks, depends on whether local engagement principles translate into local economic participation, infrastructure development and technology transfer.

Chevron, one of the continent’s longest-standing operators, that balance is particularly visible across its operations in Nigeria, Angola and the wider region.

Chevron’s sustainability reporting highlights community investment, environmental protection and workforce development.

In Nigeria, Chevron has made local supply chains a central pillar of its local engagement commitments. Over the past decade, Chevron has spent an estimated $1 billion annually on Nigerian suppliers and service providers, directing more than $10 billion to domestic contractors and businesses. The spending supports Nigeria’s local content framework while helping build indigenous capacity across engineering, logistics and oilfield services.

Across Africa, however, local engagement reporting by IOCs is often criticized for emphasizing corporate social responsibility projects rather than deeper economic integration. While community investment and environmental initiatives remain important, African policymakers increasingly prioritize local participation in project development, procurement and energy infrastructure.

Chevron’s project portfolio illustrates both the opportunities and the challenges of bridging this gap.

In Angola – where the company has operated for nearly 70 years through its subsidiary Cabinda Gulf Oil Company more than 90 per cent of the workforce is Angolan, reflecting long-term efforts to localize employment and technical expertise. Over the years, Chevron and its partners have invested more than $250 million in social and community development programs across the country, supporting healthcare, education and economic initiatives.

In Angola, the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project linking offshore gas fields in Blocks 0 and 14 to the Angola LNG facility demonstrates how major energy infrastructure can contribute to domestic value creation. The project allows associated gas to be monetized rather than flared while strengthening Angola’s gas value chain and supporting long-term energy security.

Beyond Angola, Chevron continues to expand its footprint across the continent. The company maintains active exploration programs in Nigeria, holds stakes in producing assets in Equatorial Guinea and is evaluating offshore opportunities in markets such as Namibia and Algeria. As African countries look to expand oil and gas development while building stronger domestic industries, pressure is growing on international operators to ensure local engagement commitments translate into tangible economic impact.

This growing focus on implementation is one reason industry platforms are playing a larger role in shaping the conversation.

“Africa doesn’t need more sustainability reports sitting on shelves,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “What we need are partnerships that build industries, train African workers and keep more of the value from our resources on the continent. African Energy Week provides a platform for stakeholders not only to promote projects, but to ensure sustainability commitments translate into measurable outcomes.” Adding that Chevron is leading the way through its actions on the continent.

“We need partnerships that build industries, and that is exactly what Chevron is doing.”

As local engagement expectations continue to evolve, international operators like Chevron face increasing scrutiny over whether sustainability commitments translate into real economic participation. In Africa’s energy sector, the most meaningful local engagement metric may ultimately be local content and the extent to which global companies help build lasting industries alongside their projects.

“Chevron’s training and development initiatives across Africa have significantly empowered local communities. Many individuals trained by Chevron have gone on to assume roles in public service, bringing enhanced capabilities and best practices to their work,” Ayuk states.

Furthermore, a substantial number of alumni have entered the private sector, successfully leading world-class companies, a testament to the valuable skills acquired during their time with Chevron.

“By fostering entrepreneurship, Chevron is inspiring many Africans to establish and manage their own businesses,” he concludes.