Abuja: Mr Peter Eze, the Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has praised the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for its impact and inclusiveness, particularly highlighting the increased participation from the South-East region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the PTDF began screening 5,885 shortlisted candidates on April 7 for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which offers MSc and PhD awards in petroleum-related courses and allied programmes like management and petroleum law. The scheme adheres to the federal character principle, selecting successful candidates strictly on merit.
Eze noted that the heightened participation from the South-East represents a deviation from past trends of low representation in national programmes. He emphasized that this change signifies hope and growing confidence in the scheme, suggesting that the region will continue to engage actively in future national initiatives.
As a member of the FCC committee overseeing petroleum resources and a part of the monitoring team for the South-East exercise, Eze confirmed that the screening at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was conducted with transparency. He attributed the increased turnout to the credibility and transparent processes of the scheme and urged other government programmes to adopt similar strategies to enhance participation.
Discussing infrastructure development in Enugu State, Eze mentioned the positive impact of Gov. Peter Mbah’s initiatives on rural communities. He highlighted a 2.5-kilometre road project linking Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area, which is nearing completion. This road is expected to enhance access to farms, schools, and businesses and connect the communities to neighbouring Kogi State.
Eze, who also chairs the FCC committee on Works, Transport, and Aviation, explained that the road project was facilitated through government channels to attract federal intervention. The initiative aligns with the state government’s broader focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He reported that work on the road is at an advanced stage, with the first kilometre nearing completion, and asphalt laying set to commence soon before commissioning. Residents of the benefiting communities have welcomed the project, appreciating its timeliness in addressing longstanding issues of poor road access.
On oversight, Eze stated that the commission had intensified engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), warning that non-compliance with federal character principles would result in sanctions, including potential legal action.