The PTDF scholarship interview assesses adaptability, analytical, and communication skills among Nigerian graduate students, centering around candidates' personal statements and research proposals. It covers topics such as the candidate's current job, knowledge of PTDF, and their strengths and weaknesses. Sample questions and responses illustrate the expectations and requirements for applicants aiming to secure funding for their studies.

1. PTDF SCHOLARSHIP
INTERVIEW PREPARATION

2. INTRODUCTION
The PTDF scholarship interview is a standard screening for Nigerian graduate students who are expected to possess
adaptability, analytical and communication skills. Even so, there is no specific questioning style for a particular
candidate but what will form the bulk of the interview questions will come from personal statement (M.Sc. candidates)
and research proposal (Ph.D. candidates). Additional areas covered in the interview include: personal statement,
project/thesis, knowledge of PTDF, research proposal and general knowledge/current affairs.

3. SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1 (M. Sc.): Mr Moh’d, can you tell us why you need funding to study this course?
Answer: "Energy sustains all life on earth; the global energy consumption is estimated to be over
19TWh most of which comes from fossil fuels. By funding NST education and research, the PTDF
contribute to energy diversification and facilitate clean energy transition thereby mitigating the
effect of climate change and ensure sustainability and energy security for Nigeria.“
Question 2 (All): What do you do or are you currently working?
Answer: "I am currently working as a teacher in a secondary school (SMA). My role involves
coaching and educating students in the subject of Physics and Mathematics, fostering their critical
thinking, problem-solving skills and scientific curiosity".

4. SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 3 (All): What are the mandate, vision and mission of the PTDF?
Answer: the mandate of PTDF is “building capacities and capabilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas
industry through the development of human and institutional capacities as well as the promotion
of research and the acquisition of relevant technologies”; the vision is “to serve as a catalyst for
indigenous manpower and technology development, aiming to establish Nigeria as a regional hub
for human resources in the petroleum sector” and the mission is “to educate and develop Nigerian
graduates and professionals in sciences, engineering and management for the petroleum industry,
while also training capable technicians and craftsmen in relevant fields”.
Question 4 (All): Name five international organizations that Nigeria is a member of?
Answer: UN, OPEC, UNICEF, UNESCO, IMF, etc. You can say them in full or abbreviate.

5. SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 5: Tell us about yourself?
Answer: “My name is Yakubu Ahmad, I am from Damaturu, Yobe State. I was born in Gashua on
20th October, 1998 to Mr. Ahmad Suleiman and Mrs. Fatima Umar. At the age of 6, I attended
Bukar Ali El-Kanemi Primary School, after which I proceeded to Government Day Secondary School
for my secondary education. Shortly after my JAMB in 2015, I secured admission to study Physics
at YSU. During the course of my study, I was the head of the tutorial committee of my department.
This position made me cultivate team spirit and leadership skills”.
Question 6: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Answer: "Regarding my strengths, one notable example was during my time in the university when
I led an Electronics assignment group in year 4. I took charge of ensuring that every member
actively participated and contributed to the presentation, utilizing my strong leadership and
organisational skills. This led to a successfully delivered, comprehensive and cohesive
presentation, reflecting the collective efforts of the team.
As for my weaknesses, one area where I have noticed room for improvement is when team
members displayed laxity toward the assignments. I struggled with effectively motivating and
addressing the issue. However, I am actively working on my communication skills”

6. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
TIME