In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Hammajam Adamu, Head Panelist for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship Scheme 2023, revealed that applicants being interviewed for the scheme have shown a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Cloud Computing. These emerging technologies are seen as crucial to the advancement of the oil and gas sector.
Dr Adamu expressed his delight in seeing the potential of Nigerian youth, who are aware of global developments and have dedicated themselves to solving the country’s oil and gas-related challenges. The applicants have demonstrated enthusiasm for exploring the application of AI, data science, and cloud computing as an integrated ecosystem that can provide innovative solutions for the industry.
Furthermore, Dr Adamu emphasized that the PTDF management seeks to identify and support the best students, believing that investing in these exceptional individuals is essential to justify the financial resources allocated to them. As the Head of Research for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and a former beneficiary of the PTDF scholarship, Dr Adamu highlighted his personal experience in utilizing the knowledge gained during his Master’s and PhD programs to contribute to the country’s development.
Dr Adamu urged the successful applicants to return to Nigeria and utilize their newfound skills to contribute to the nation’s growth, thereby expressing gratitude for the investment made in their education.
Mr Tajudeen Ibiyeye, the Team Lead for the Ibadan Zone Oversea Scholarship Scheme, PTDF, provided further insight into the program. He mentioned that the organization has been sending scholars abroad to acquire knowledge in the oil and gas field. In the Ibadan zone alone, 659 applicants are being considered for M.Sc programs, with an additional 164 applicants vying for PhD programs. Nationally, this initial stage includes 5,000 shortlisted applicants spread across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Successful applicants are expected to return to Nigeria and deploy the skills and knowledge they have gained to contribute to the country’s oil and gas sector.
One of the applicants, Mr Ibukun Nubi from Olabisi Onabanjo University, expressed optimism about his application, as this was his second attempt at securing the scholarship. Mr Nubi intends to gain insights into how industries are operated in other countries in order to replicate their success in Nigeria.
The PTDF scholarship program continues to attract highly motivated individuals eager to acquire knowledge in cutting-edge technologies. The increased interest in AI, data science, and cloud computing reflects a growing recognition of the importance of these areas in driving innovation and efficiency in the oil and gas industry.
NAN
