THE PTDF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

HANDBOOK
Table of Contents

THE PTDF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME HANDBOOK ......................................................... 1

1.0 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S MESSAGE .................................................................................. 3
Executive Secretary ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 BRIEF ON PTDF ................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Vision ........................................................................................................................4
2.2 Mission ......................................................................................................................4
3.0 PTDF SCHOLARSHIP ........................................................................................................ 4
3.1. OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME (OSS) ............................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Overseas MSc Scholarship .........................................................................................5
3.1.2 Overseas PhD Scholarship ..........................................................................................6
3.1.3 ADMINISTATION OF THE OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME .................................. 7
3.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE PTDF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES .............................................................. 7
4.0 Serious Illness and/or incapacity ...................................................................................8
5.0 Death of Scholar............................................................................................................9
6.0 PTDF’S EXPECTATION OF ALL THE SCHOLARS....................................................................... 9
7.0 Deferral of Scholarship ................................................................................................10
7.1 Suspension of Studies .................................................................................................10
7.2 Pregnancy during Studies ...........................................................................................11
7.2. 1 M.sc Scholars ..........................................................................................................11
7.2.2 Married Female PhD Scholars .................................................................................11
7.3 Working during Study ..................................................................................................11
7.4 Change of course/Research Topics/Institution .............................................................12
7.5 Extension of Studies ....................................................................................................12
8.0 Poor Academic Performance .......................................................................................12
9.0 University Contact .......................................................................................................12
10.0 Payment of Allowance .................................................................................................12
11.0 Applying for Tier 1 and 2 Visa ......................................................................................13
12.0 Bond ...........................................................................................................................13
1.0 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Dear Scholar,
Congratulations on your outstanding success and achievement as a recipient of the
prestigious PTDF Scholarship Award.
We extend to you a warm welcome to the prestigious club of PTDF Scholars and hope that
through your commitment and dedication to studies, hard work and interactions with peers;
you will be able to contribute enormously to the Nigerian oil and Gas Industry as and the
general development and growth of the Nigerian economy. It is also expected that you will
promote and enhance the educational, technological, social and cultural collaboration
between Nigeria and your host country.
The terms and conditions of the Scholarship Scheme have been prepared as a policy guide to
help ensure your welfare, progress in your academic pursuits, and a happy, memorable and
fruitful stay during your course of study. To this end, you are kindly advised and encouraged
to carefully read, familiarize yourself with and abide by all the rules, guidelines and
provisions set out in this handbook.
Good luck!

Executive Secretary
2.0 BRIEF ON PTDF
Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) was established by Decree No. 25 of 1973.
The rationale for the establishment of PTDF was the desire to have a special purpose vehicle
for training of Nigerians to qualify as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in
the field of engineering, geology, science and Management in the petroleum industry in
Nigeria

2.1 Vision
To serve not only as an instrument for the development of indigenous manpower and
technology transfer/acquisition in the petroleum industry but to make Nigeria a human
resource centre for the West African sub-region in the petroleum sector.

2.2 Mission
To train Nigerians to qualify as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in the
field of engineering, geology, science and management in petroleum industry.

3.0 PTDF SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship scheme is one of the programs through which the Fund achieves its
mandate. There are two categories: OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME AND LOCAL
SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME THE SPLIT SITE PROGRAMME.

3.1. OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME (OSS)

The Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a program under which qualified Nigerians go
through a selection process and awarded scholarship to study in top rated universities
abroad. Scholarships are awarded at the following levels:
Master’s (M. Sc)
Doctoral (PhD)
 3.1.1 Overseas MSc Scholarship
The MSc scholarship covers the following:

i. Sponsorship for the duration (full time) of study required to obtain a Master’s Degree
from the date of commencement of the program. This ranges between twelve (12) and
twenty-four (24) months depending on the course, university and country of study;

ii. The scholarship covers only the scholar, it does not provide for any family member to
accompany and/or join the scholar during their studies;

iii. Accommodation allowances will be paid to Scholars at a rate specified by the Award
Letter issued by PTDF, this will include provision for utilities. Please note that allowance
for accommodation/utilities does not discriminate between University Halls of
Residence, Private Landlord(s) and/or Property Agent(s);

iv. For continuing scholars, please note that subsequent payment for
accommodation/utilities will be made on completion of an academic term and only after
the receipt of satisfactory examination results from your supervisor or school.

v. The scholarship covers the stipulated period of study as contained in your Award Letter;
the PTDF will not be liable for stay beyond the stipulated period of scholarship award;

vi. Payment of fees for the duration of the scholarship for the course to which the scholar
has been admitted as specified by the institution at the time of the award; or as invoiced
annually;

vii. Payment of a fixed annual (or a one-off) course materials and learning aids allowance as
specified at the time of the award (if applicable)

viii. For overseas scholars returning to Nigeria after their ticket validity period, tickets shall
be purchased for them, they are not allowed to purchase tickets on their own, as refunds
will not be granted; and

ix. All Scholars are expected to sign a Bond with the Fund accepting all terms and Conditions
of the Sponsorship. Payment of all allowances and other fees are tied to a duly executed
Bond. Failure to execute the Bond with PTDF will invalidate the scholarship.
3.1.2 Overseas PhD Scholarship
The PhD scholarship covers the following:

i. Sponsorship for the duration (full time) of study required to obtain a Doctorate
Degree from the date of commencement of the program (this is limited to a maximum
of thirty-six (36) months)

ii. The scholarship covers only the scholar, it does not provide for any family member
to accompany and /or join the scholar during his/her studies;

iii. Allowance shall be paid and maintained throughout the duration of studies.

iv. Accommodation shall be provided for the duration of studies;

v. The Scholarship covers the provision of a return air ticket from Nigeria to the country
of study; under no circumstances should scholars purchase their own tickets as
requests for refund will not be entertained;

vi. The scholarship covers the stipulated period of study as contained in the Award
Letter; the PTDF will not be liable for stay beyond the stipulated award period; and

vii. All PhD Scholars are expected to sign a Bond with the Fund accepting all terms and
Conditions of the Sponsorship. Payment of all allowances and other fees are tied to a
dully executed Bond and submission of specific, measurable, achievable and time
bound work plan. Failure to execute the Bond with PTDF will invalidate the
scholarship.

All overseas sponsored scholars are expected to return to Nigeria on completion of their
programme of studies. In exceptional circumstances where scholars wish to engage in other
activities i.e. continue with further education, or employment in related fields, they should
seek permission from PTDF and shall obtain a Letter of no Objection to ensure a closure to
the scholarship. Soft copies of certificates and project/thesis must be submitted to PTDF via
the appropriate email address [email protected] or [email protected]
3.1.3 ADMINISTATION OF THE OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
PTDF will be responsible for the administration of the Overseas Scholarship Scheme in the
UK and other countries. Its activities shall include:

i. Enlisting the cooperation of appropriate universities in arranging placement of

scholars on appropriate courses of studies and program.

ii. Payment of fees and allowance to participating universities and scholars respectively;

iii. Providing scholars with logistics, welfare and pastoral support;

iv. Obtaining quarterly/yearly reports from Overseas University staff for the purpose of
monitoring and reporting on the progress of scholars on the scheme.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the scholar to initiate the admission process.

3.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE PTDF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES

i. Provide scholars with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and
capabilities that will ensure positive contribution to the growth and development of
the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry and contribute to increase the level of the national
income and it’s growth rate;

ii. Enable scholars to exploit opportunities available within the industry both locally and
globally;

iii. Enable scholars acquire the cognitive, interpersonal, analytical, leadership, group,
socio-cultural and ethical dynamics necessary for competent and reflective practice
within the global oil and gas industry;

iv. Provide an enabling environment for scholars to qualify for post-doctoral fellowships
that would provide them with a stepping stone to a more effective lecturing career in
oil and gas related disciplines;

v. Produce qualified personnel at doctoral level in both applied and developmental

research relating to oil and gas;

vi. To enable scholars, undertake research to update knowledge in specific fields

addressing potential problem areas peculiar to oil and gas regions;

vii. To empower scholars, undertake an applied research, identify specific oil and gas
industry challenges and recommend appropriate remedies;
viii. Roll out fit-for-purpose personnel at PhD level who would be able to undertake
research geared towards solving practical problems;

ix. Provide specific knowledge and key transferable skills that will enable scholars to
cope with the likely changes and practices in the industry;

x. To provide the Scholar with the necessary resources to enable them put in their best
in their chosen fields thereby maximizing their potentials;

xi. Ensure that scholars are funded to undertake postgraduate studies in appropriate
universities towards developing them effectively for the Nigerian oil and gas
industry;

xii. To equip the Scholars to compete favorably in the international environment both
academically and in the oil and gas industry;

xiii. To identify and groom brilliant young undergraduate students for post graduate
studies in the oil and gas industry from Nigerian Universities where PTDF has
provided state–of–the–art equipment; and

xiv. To serve as a source of evaluating/appraising the PTDF Endowment Programme in

addition to gauging the impact of Nigerian University facility upgrades on student
performance

4.0 Serious Illness and/or incapacity

i. In the event of a scholar becoming seriously ill or incapacitated, PTDF must be
contacted immediately. Failure to do so shall be interpreted as an act
contravening the regulations guiding the award;

ii. Scholars that had any medical condition and did not disclose it to the PTDF prior
to resumption of studies, where the scholar becomes incapacitated due to such
medical condition, the award shall be withdrawn.

iii. Where a scholar is unable to complete his/her program within the stipulated
period due to illness or any other reason, the university will assess the student’s
situation and advise the Fund. The Fund will decide whether to suspend, postpone
or terminate the scholarship.

iv. Where a Scholar is unable to complete his/her studies within the stipulated time
as contained in the Award Letter for any reason other than illness he or she shall
refund to the PTDF all monies spent on him or her
5.0 Death of Scholar
In the event of the death of a scholar, the university shall inform PTDF immediately. PTDF
shall liaise with the scholar’s family and transport the remains of the deceased back to
Nigeria.

6.0 PTDF’S EXPECTATION OF ALL THE SCHOLARS

The PTDF expects scholars to:

i. Focus on and engage effectively in academic work with a view to developing

excellence in their chosen discipline.

ii. Act as exemplary PTDF ambassadors by projecting the good image and reputation of
Nigeria.

iii. Be aware of and respect the social and cultural way of life in the host
community/country.

iv. Be aware of, respect and comply with the rules and regulations of the university in
which they are studying.

v. Avoid incurring debt and/or obtaining goods and services through all forms of credit
schemes (e.g. hire purchase) without full payment for the goods and services.

vi. Seek appropriate professional guidance and support through university’s

international offices/LSS coordinators and personal tutors when you experience
difficulties;

vii. Value and treat staff, fellow students and visitors with self-respect in the institution
in which you are studying;

viii. Contribute to the reputation and development of the academic environment where
you are studying;

ix. Acknowledge the Fund in any publication including thesis, long essays, departmental
seminar papers and presentations that are of Academic value emanating from
research programs. Copies must be submitted to the fund in electronic format
through the Fund’s email. [email protected] or [email protected]

x. Publish a paper at least once during the period of your study in the PTDF journal.
Please note that this is mandatory for PhD scholars;
 xi. On completion of studies, overseas students shall return to Nigeria to contribute to
the growth and development particularly in research and development in the oil and
gas industry or lecturing career;

xii. Scholars should not be in simultaneous receipt of any other scholarship from any
other organization, violation of this will result to revocation of the award;

xiii. Overseas scholars must ensure that they comply with the terms and conditions of
their accommodation Agreement. Breach of the terms and conditions of such
agreement shall be considered the scholar’s responsibility; and

xiv. Scholars should exercise best endeavors to undertake applied researches that can
solve Nigerian oil and gas industry specific challenges. In an even of a new discovery,
PTDF will be entitled to the ownership of the research and will be responsible for
patenting and commercialization of the research findings.

7.0 Deferral of Scholarship

Deferral, generally, shall not be considered. However, under the following circumstances this
may be granted for one academic year ONLY.
i. Visa Refusal
ii. Inability to Secure Admission
iii. Pregnancy
iv. Serious Illness as determined by PTDF appointed medical practitioner

7.1 Suspension of Studies

Scholars are not allowed to suspend studies without prior approval from PDTF.
7.2 Pregnancy during Studies
7.2. 1 M.sc Scholars
i. MSc scholars who are pregnant at the time of receipt of the scholarship MUST inform
the PTDF. The Fund will consider deferring the award to the following year to allow
the mother give birth and care for her child before embarking on rigorous academic
pursuit.

ii. As stated in section 4.1 (ii) of this document, the scholarship covers only the scholar.
NO pregnant or nursing mothers will be accepted on the scholarship
(applicable only to overseas scholars)

iii. Where an MSc overseas scholar becomes pregnant during her studies, she will be
returned immediately to Nigeria and all allowances suspended.

iv. As soon as the scholar is aware she is pregnant she must immediately contact PTDF;
and

v. Where a pregnant scholar refused to disclose her pregnancy to the PTDF in writing,
such non- disclosure shall invalidate the scholarship

7.2.2 Married Female PhD Scholars

i. Married female PhD scholar shall be granted an optional leave of six months
maximum during the program, to nurse the baby. During this leave period, payment
of allowances shall be suspended pending when she recommences studies.

ii. If the scholar is abroad and she chooses to return to Nigeria, at expiration of the
nursing period, she will be expected to provide a return ticket to the UK for herself in
order to resume her studies.

iii. If the scholar chooses to remain abroad, she would be entitled to utility and
accommodation allowances excluding living expenses.

iv. As soon as the scholar is aware she is pregnant she must immediately contact the
PTDF.

7.3 Working during Study

No scholar under PTDF scholarship should seek or accept employment of any kind while
being fully funded under the OSS.
7.4 Change of course/Research Topics/Institution

All Scholars shall not change their course of studies, research topic or Institutions without
written approval from the Fund.

7.5 Extension of Studies

Extension of studies shall only be considered under the most extreme conditions at the
discretion of PTDF and limited to a reduced living rate with the payment of ONLY 25% of
living expenses.

8.0 Poor Academic Performance

The award is subject to satisfactory Performance Review. Hence, PTDF is expected to receive
a quarterly/annual progress report from Research Supervisors/University coordinators;
Failure to submit and strictly abide by Work Plan (PhD) or poor academic performance will
invalidate the offer.
Please note that all scholars MUST give consent in writing to their schools (in addition to the
signed holograph) for their academic information to be released on request by PTDF.

9.0 University Contact

Where applicable, the University will dedicate a staff from its International Office (for OSS)
or the LSS Coordinator as liaison officer for the scholars primarily to deal with issues
concerning the scholar’s relationship with the university and will also serve as liaison
between the Fund and the University.

10.0 Payment of Allowance

The remittances of monthly allowances for overseas M.sc and PhD scholars shall be made on
bi - annual basis; via their while that of the in-country (LSS) scholars shall be made annually.
Please note that overseas scholars must open bank accounts as soon as they arrive their
destination and provide same to the PTDF via a link to be made available at the induction.
11.0 Applying for Tier 1 and 2 Visa
Scholars who on completion of studies receive job offers (in oil & gas related organization/
companies) commensurate to their qualification must first write to PTDF for issuance of a
“Letter of No Objection” to enable them apply for “Leave to Remain” in the UK .This can also
be apply to scholars who have approved period of extension from the Fund.

12.0 Bond
All MSc and PhD Scholars are required to sign a bond with PTDF before departure. On
completion of their programme they are expected to return to their employers.
CONTACT
For any enquiry, the PTDF can be contacted through:

PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND

PTDF HOUSE, PLOT 1058 MEMORIAL DRIVE,
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT,
CADASTRAL ZONE AOO,
P. O. BOX 9899, GARKI ABUJA.
NIGERIA.

Email - [email protected] (PhD mailbox)

[email protected] (MSc mailbox)

Telephone- +234 8189745530

+2348180416245