University Leadership in Crisis

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has screened 424 applicants for foreign scholarships to pursue master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in petroleum-related fields.

The nationwide exercise aims to identify the most qualified candidates who will conduct development-focused research and contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector.

In the North-East, the fund shortlisted 266 candidates for master’s programmes and 158 for PhD studies.

Speaking at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University on Tuesday, Deputy Manager (Services) of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Sirajo Abdullahi Fari, explained that the selection process involved three stages: system verification, document screening by PTDF personnel, and vetting by a team of consultants.

He said the PTDF mandate is to develop human capital to address manpower shortages in the oil and gas sector, noting that the agency has sponsored students abroad for over 20 years with measurable contributions recorded.

“We have been receiving testimonies that our former cohorts are now part of the people manning the newly built Dangote Refinery, Shell and other organisations. In fact, many others are now professors who are being deployed as panelists,” he said.

Fari added that PTDF insists on merit, ensuring that qualified candidates emerge regardless of status, tribe, or connections.

One of the panelists, Prof. Abubakar Isa Bello of Bayero University, Kano, said the exercise was strictly merit-based and free from interference.

“We have been given the guidelines and follow through. At the end of the day, we make recommendations based on our assessment, while the Fund makes the final decision,” he said.

One of the applicants, Atiku Birama from Gombe State, commended the officials, describing them as friendly and transparent, and expressed optimism about the final selection.

“It is encouraging to see how seriously PTDF takes the selection process. The presence of experts and panelists makes us feel that this scholarship is truly merit-based,” he said.

Another candidate, Fatima Abdullahi from Bauchi State, said the exercise boosted her confidence.

“Even if I don’t get selected, this process has boosted my confidence. It has taught me how to present and defend my research effectively, preparing me for future academic and professional challenges,” she said.

PTDF screens 424 candidates for overseas scholarships

The Department of State Services, DSS, has released Omoyele Sowore’s media aide, Zainab Sodiq, to the leadership of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).

Sodiq was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, said Sodiq was released to the Institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday following the organisation’s intervention.

Shekarau said: “The Nigerian National Committee of IPI Nigeria has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.

“Ms Sodiq was reportedly intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, 2026, while preparing to travel with the drone.”

The institute’s secretary said she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja on Monday.

He said she was, however, directed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, where she was subsequently detained for possessing the device without the requisite End User Certificate.

According to him, IPI Nigeria has confirmed that Sodiq has now been released to the Institute’s leadership.

Commenting on the development, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed Sodiq’s release and commended the DSS for its engagement with the Institute.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that Ms Sodiq has regained her freedom. We appreciate the DSS for responding to our intervention and for facilitating her release.

“While we recognise the responsibility of security agencies to enforce law and order, such responsibilities should always be discharged with due regard for the constitutional rights of journalists and other citizens.

“We encourage continued dialogue and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media to ensure that legitimate security concerns are addressed without unduly impeding press freedom or journalists carrying out their professional duties.”

The institute appreciated all individuals and organisations that expressed concern over the journalist’s detention and supported efforts to secure her release.

It reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard press freedom while recognising legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.

IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI Global), a worldwide network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in more than 100 countries.

DSS frees Sowore’s media aide detained over drone

The state government says improved connectivity, cargo services and tourism development will help attract investments and expand business activities across Enugu.

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