17 Nigerian scholars move to Brazil

   The first set of Nigerian scholars to benefit from the strategic partnership between the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)  and the University of Sao Paulo Brazil, departed Nigeria last week to commence higher degree studies and research in Petroleum Engineering and related courses in that university.


   The scholars numbering 17 were made up of eight PhD’s and 9 Msc students. They constituted the pilot batch of the PTDF/ University of Sao Paulo strategic collaboration developed to harness the opportunities offered by the Brazilian academic system and their leadership in global oil and gas knowledge and research. A statement by spokesman of the PTDF Kalu Otisi said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PTDF and USP was signed last year proposing to establish mutual co-operation in the conduct of academic projects in teaching, research and community service.

   The agreement specifically provides that there will be no tuition fees applied to PTDF Scholars for the duration of their studies in the USP. At a brief induction ceremony, prior to their departure, the Executive Secretary, PTDF Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau said that, forging global partnerships in the training of PTDF scholars will enable the Fund to continue to deliver world class education.