The commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Peter Eze, has commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for its impact and inclusiveness.

Mr Eze gave the commendation while speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during an assessment of the ongoing OSS, describing the scheme as “fantastic.”

He also noted increased participation from the South-East.

The PTDF on April 7 commenced 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, is conducted in line with the federal character principle, with successful candidates emerging strictly on merit.

Mr Eze said the increased participation from the South-East marked a shift from previous trends 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.

Mr 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 infrastructure development in Enugu State, Mr Eze said the ongoing drive by Governor Peter Mbah was beginning to impact rural communities.

He said a 2.5-kilometre road linking Aji, Isiugwu and Ufodo communities in the Igboeze North Local Government Area was 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.

Mr 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 aligned 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.

Mr Eze said residents of the benefiting communities had welcomed the project, describing it as timely in view of 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)