It is no more business as usual for PTDF overseas scholars
as they will be all be made to sign an undertaking to return home after
rounding-off their studies abroad.
This information was made known by the Acting Executive Secretary
of PTDF, Malam Ahmed Aminu during an induction programme for successful
candidates for masters and PhD. Programmes.
According to Aminu, the government is doing this in order to
ensure that they get value for every money spent in training Nigerians abroad.
According to him
“This year, the fund has introduced a bond form attached to the award letter
wherein scholars are expected to fill and return to the fund.
“This is to provide a guarantee that they will come back to
serve Nigeria after concluding their respective programmes.’’
He further stressed that the government is sending these
beneficiaries to universities in the UK, especially Scotland in order to be
sure that the students get quality training in oil and gas sector. And that the
t raining programme is being extended to Brazil, France and Germany as well.
“This shows how
diverse and vibrant the fund’s approach is becoming. A Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with Brazil and France on May 12
and June 30, respectively, to that effect.
“On the other hand, a MoU is expected to be signed with the
German Government later in the year, most likely September,’’ he said.
According to him,
2,417 masters’ degree and 642 doctoral degree students in oil and gas
related courses, benefited from the organisation’s overseas programmes between
2007 and 2013.
It was also revealed by Aminu that for 2016/2017 programme,
5,000 candidates were shortlisted, out of whom 210 students were selected for
scholarship in MSC and 63 for PHD programmes in Nigerian institutions.
He said that 175 MSC and 80 PHD candidates were selected for
overseas scholarship.
“It is worth mentioning that on matters of PHD scholarship
award, the fund’s priority is on lecturers.
“This is because the fund wants to make sure that our
institutions have the capacity to train our young people.’’ he said.
One of the successful candidate, Mr Kinsley Okechukwu,
commended PTDF for selecting him and others for the training “I am happy,
reason being that I didn’t know anybody before I applied, and going through the
process was transparent, though rigorous,’’ he said.
Also, Ms Sophiat Aribilowo, said that PTDF did the selection
based on qualification and merit.
“We were many that were shortlisted but those of us who
passed through the requirements were selected; I sincerely appreciate it.
“It was a tough process but it is worth it,’’ she said.
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