The Federal Government on Monday opened applications for the 2025/2026 in-country scholarship scheme for engineering and related disciplines in Nigerian universities.

The programme, administered by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, opened its portal on Monday, April 20, 2026, and is scheduled to close on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The scheme targets undergraduate and postgraduate students in oil and gas–related fields, as part of efforts to build local capacity and strengthen technical expertise within Nigeria.

Interested candidates are expected to complete their applications within the six-week window via the official PTDF scholarship portal: https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng

How to apply (Step-by-step)

The PTDF outlined a structured application process that candidates must carefully follow:

Step 1: Create an account

Applicants are required to visit the PTDF scholarship portal and create an account by filling in their personal details.An email will be sent with instructions on how to log in and set a password.

Step 2: Log in to the portal

Candidates must log in using their registered email address and newly created password to access the application dashboard.

Step 3: Verify NIN

Before starting the application, applicants must verify their National Identification Number (NIN).PTDF warns that failed verification attempts should not be repeated unnecessarily to avoid multiple charges, advising candidates to resolve issues through the provided support channel.

Step 4: Accept disclaimer and terms

Applicants must read and accept the programme’s disclaimer and terms and conditions before proceeding. Declining the terms will automatically end the application.

Step 5: Fill application form

Candidates are required to complete all sections of the application form, ensuring accuracy and compliance with specified file formats for uploads.

Step 6: Select course and institution

Applicants will choose their preferred universities and courses (first, second, and third choices).Postgraduate applicants are also required to upload a statement of purpose (for MSc) or research proposal (for PhD).

Step 7: Upload required documents

Mandatory documents include academic certificates, birth certificate, and local government identification.All files must meet size requirements, typically below 300KB in PDF format.

Step 8: Additional credentials

Applicants may upload professional memberships and publications (where applicable), with limits on the number of submissions.

Step 9: Review application

Candidates must carefully preview their application to correct any errors before submission.

Step 10: Final submission

Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. PTDF advises applicants to ensure all information is accurate before completing this step.

The scholarship supports students in approved courses across Nigerian universities linked to the oil and gas sector and allied industries.

The PTDF noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance human capital development within the country’s energy sector, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and strengthen institutional capacity.

The PTDF in-country scholarship scheme is distinct from its overseas scholarship programme and is designed to support education within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The initiative typically covers tuition support, stipends, and learning resources for selected candidates, with beneficiaries chosen based on merit and relevance of study to national development priorities.

Samuel Omotere

Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

(The PUNCH)