PTDF inducts 195 MSC scholars

THE Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), on Tuesday, inducted 195 successful candidates for its Msc overseer scholarship programmes.

This year beneficiaries, according to the Fund, were the highest number from the Nigerian universities so far.

Speaking during the induction at the PTDF office in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau, said the selection was based on their performances during the test, pointing out that three parameters were used to pick the successful candidates among the numerous applicants in the country.

The parameters, according to him, were essentially in oral interview, aptitude test and in the areas of their specializations in overseer programmes.

He therefore urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, and be alive to their responsibilities, admonishing them to respect and obey the laws of the host countries.

While appreciating the good gesture of the Fund, some of the scholars who spoke during the induction affirmed that they did not get the scholarship through the back door, as they applied through online like every other applicant.

Some of the successful candidates who spoke were Emeka Nwanocha from Anambra State; Mariam Mohammad Hassan, Gombe State as well as Bukola Fatile from Ekiti State.

They all denied insinuations in some quarters that the PTDF has its anointed candidates for its scholarship programmes abroad after the rigorous tests the applicants might have passed through.

They therefore promised to put in their best in their various courses.