Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Mr Peter Eze has commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Overseas Scholarship Scheme, OSS, for its impact and inclusiveness.
Eze gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen yesterday in Abuja during an assessment of the ongoing OSS, describing the scheme as “fantastic”.
He noted the increased participation from the South-East.
PTDF had on April 7 commenced the screening of 5,885 shortlisted candidates nationwide for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme for MSc and PhD awards.
The scheme, which covers petroleum-related courses, as well as allied programmes such as management and petroleum law, was conducted in line with the federal character principle, with successful candidates emerging strictly on merit.
Eze said the increased participation from the South-East marked a shift from the previous trend of low representation in some national programmes.
“This level of participation gives hope and reflects growing confidence in the scheme.
“It also indicates that the region will continue to engage actively in future national programmes,” he said.
Eze, who is a member of the FCC committee overseeing petroleum resources and part of the monitoring team for the South-East exercise, disclosed that the screening at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was conducted transparently.
He said the scheme had benefitted many Nigerians over the years, attributing the increased turnout to its credibility and transparent processes.
He urged other government programmes to adopt similar strategies to enhance participation.
On infrastructural development in Enugu State, Eze said the ongoing drive by Governor Peter Mbah is beginning to impact rural communities.
He said a 2.5-kilometre road linking Aji, Isiugwu and Ufodo communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area is nearing completion.
According to him, the road is expected to improve access to farms, schools and businesses, as well as link the communities to neighbouring Kogi State.
Eze, who also chairs the FCC Committee on Works, Transport and Aviation, said the project was facilitated through government channels to attract federal intervention.
He added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader focus on infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“Work on the road is at an advanced stage, with the first one kilometre nearing completion. Asphalt laying will commence soon before commissioning,” he said.
Eze said residents of the benefiting communities had welcomed the project, describing it as timely in view of the longstanding challenges with poor road access.
On oversight, he said the commission had intensified engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, warning that non-compliance with federal character principles would attract sanctions, including possible legal action. (NAN)