The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian scholars, trained under its overseas scholarship scheme, opting to remain in foreign countries after completing their studies due to limited job opportunities back home in the oil and gas sector.
This concern was brought to the fore during a one-day sensitisation and capacity-building programme for PTDF scholars held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday. Speaking at the event, the Head of the Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Mrs Bolanle Agboola, lamented the continued exodus of highly skilled Nigerian graduates who were fully sponsored by the Fund to prestigious institutions across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and other countries.
According to Agboola, the Fund has invested significantly in building world-class human capital for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, sponsoring over 8,000 scholars under the scheme. However, many of these beneficiaries, upon completion of their programmes, are absorbed by foreign companies where their expertise is better appreciated and financially rewarded.
“It is disheartening that after heavy investment in their training, many of our scholars choose to remain overseas because they either do not find jobs in Nigeria or are offered roles that do not match their qualifications,” she said. “All our investments—time, funds, and training—end up benefiting the economies of the US, UK, and Canada.”
Agboola stressed that the PTDF was now actively working to reverse this trend by deepening collaboration with local oil and gas firms to provide employment pathways for returning scholars. She disclosed that strategic partnerships were being formed to ensure that Nigerian-trained professionals are absorbed into meaningful roles that align with their areas of expertise.
Beyond simply training individuals, Agboola highlighted the need to harness the PTDF alumni network, many of whom are scattered across global institutions and corporations. According to her, reconnecting with these professionals could help bridge knowledge gaps in the domestic energy sector while also creating mentorship opportunities for upcoming scholars.
She further noted that PTDF is fully committed to building indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry, despite facing financial constraints. With dwindling revenue from licensing fees—its primary source of funding—the Fund is now exploring alternative avenues for resource mobilisation to sustain its scholarship programmes and training efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Mr Dayo Asefon, lauded PTDF’s continuous investment in education and manpower development. He emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to adapt to the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry, which now requires a multidisciplinary skill set.
“The sector is no longer limited to engineers and geologists. Today, we need digital innovators, environmental experts, legal professionals, and policy strategists to drive sustainability and innovation,” Asefon remarked.
In a similar vein, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, urged the PTDF scholars to make the most of the opportunity extended to them, stressing that they represent the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
“You are not just receiving scholarships; you are being groomed to take the lead in redefining Nigeria’s energy landscape. The country is counting on you,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and the loss of skilled professionals to other countries, the PTDF has reiterated its resolve to reform its scholarship framework and align it more closely with national manpower demands. The Fund’s latest push is geared toward ensuring that its investment in human capital translates directly into national development, rather than fueling the economies of other nations.
KIIN360 understands that the PTDF’s overseas scholarship scheme has, over the years, produced thousands of top-tier professionals in petroleum engineering, geosciences, energy law, and other critical sectors. The current challenge remains how to reintegrate these talents into Nigeria’s workforce in a way that supports growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability in the oil and gas industry.