PTDF supports Africa study abroad trade fair, promotes equal opportunities -Bala

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Bala Shafii, of the Educational Training Department of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Representing the Deputy Manager, PTDF Bolanle Agboola, highlighted the organization’s long-standing support for the Africa Study Abroad trade fair. This event provides a platform for Nigerians to explore educational opportunities abroad and learn about PTDF’s scholarship programs”, Bala states.

On Federal Character and Transparency in Scholarship Awards, Bala said: “PTDF ensures that scholarships are distributed equally across states, with additional slots for oil-producing states. In 2024, each state received three scholarships, with an extra slot for each of the nine oil-producing states and one slot for the best female candidate per geopolitical zone. The selection process is transparent, with beneficiaries chosen directly by PTDF without interference from state governors.

Mr. Bala speaks on the PTDF’s New Reforms, which are Domestication and Cost-Cutting, maintaining that “PTDF is shifting its focus towards domestication and cost-cutting measures. The organization has established the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna and a vocational school in Port Harcourt. These institutions will host some of PTDF’s programs, including a revised scholarship program that involves spending two years in Nigeria for PhD studies and one year abroad.

In an interview with Standard-Times Nigeria correspondent, Bala sends message of the opportunities that abound in PTDF to Nigerian Students,
Bala encourages Nigerian students to take advantage of PTDF’s scholarship opportunities, emphasizing the transparent nature of the application process. He notes that many beneficiaries have been able to access these opportunities without prior connections to PTDF or Abuja”, He remarked.

Meanwhile, AfaraEd Managing Director Stuart Rennie Highlights Opportunities and Challenges at the Africa Study Abroad Trade Fair.

Standard-Times Nigeria reports that Stuart Rennie, Managing Director of AfaraEd, addressed attendees at this year’s Africa Study Abroad trade fair in Abuja.

He emphasized the importance of the event, which brings together representatives from top universities in Canada, France, the UK, and Ireland, along with organizations like Education Ireland, Ireland Visa, and the British Council.

Rennie noted that the exhibition provides students, parents, and educators with the opportunity to explore international education options, attend seminars, and learn about scholarship opportunities. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian students seeking to study abroad, particularly financing and visa requirements.

To address these challenges, AfaraEd has partnered with organizations like the Petroleum Technology Education Development Fund (PTDF) to provide information on funding opportunities.

Rennie also emphasized the importance of choosing reputable agents or partners to support study abroad applications, ensuring that students and parents avoid fraudulent activities.

Rennie’s final message to students was to conduct thorough research, attend the AfaraEd exhibition, and speak with university representatives to make informed decisions about their educational pursuits.

Standard-Times Nigeria correspondent gathered some Key takeaways from Rennie’s address which include:-

AfaraEd’s commitment to providing a platform for students to explore international education opportunities-

The importance of addressing financing and visa challenges faced by Nigerian students-

The need for students and parents to choose reputable agents or partners to support study abroad applications-

The value of thorough research and informed decision-making in pursuing educational opportunities abroad”, Rennie states.