₦airaland Forum

Liebermann:
Always nice of you to contribute. I'm also a fan of the current selection process. Like I mentioned earlier, exams in Nigeria can be very shady. I remember you saying you never expected to be selected after your interview and yet you were so it's always encouraging to hear.

But I don't understand how quota system is your explanation for why they don't offer employment to past scholars If quota system was used for the selection process to begin with and extrapolating it to employment doesn't offset it. PTDF doesn't have the capacity to singlehandedly hire every single scholar and it's difficult to get such solidarity with other parastatals so they can consistently find a space for everyone.

This is why the interview is important because I believe they look for intangibles that support a persons commitment and drive towards developing the country. This doesn't exclusively happen through the government. I will also add that If you intend to get this scholarship and proceed to PhD and the only career path you see for yourself is through the Nigerian government your priorities are misplaced.

Congrats on being shortlisted for the PhD scheme. I hope you stick around and continue to contribute because your knowledge is much appreciated and past scholars are very inactive here. And also try debunking the defeatist misconceptions people have here that somehow northerners are going to steal all their spots or about the unfairness of the process. After all you're a testament to it's transparency and effectiveness.

Thanks bro.

On the issues you raised, well, the PTDF scholar is the only beneficiary of the entire program. The country itself does not benefit anything other than the media publication of how many persons they have trained. And until and unless they close the entire value chain, the country will remain the same. Now don't look at PTDF as an independent body, they are part of the government. So the process should have ended with all scholars being sent to local content for immediate employment and fixing in the relevant industry. That is what Turkey is doing and they are developing very fast.

There are alot of oil and gas firms in Nigeria that these scholars could be integrated into. Government have functional agencies, gas industries, energy firms that these scholars can be part of.

So why I mentioned quota system is due to the form of employment that happens in Nigeria. Employment into these agencies are mostly done by who you know and where you are from. So basically, scholars can't fit in except they are brought in automatically after completing their studies. But you know the government don't care because of the status quo that exist in those agencies.

The reality is thus that the president would even encourage any scholar not to come back but do whatever they found doing abroad, even if it means cleaning a hospital or restaurant. This is where the main issue is. On the long run, we would have spent billions of money with Europe, UK, and US being the biggest beneficiary of the program from all angles: Getting school fees, the expenses scholars make during studies, and improving their workforce where cleaners in their country are highly educated and professional people.


I forgot to add, after my interview, I came to nairaland to write how bad the process was and how it favoured the north because most of the panelists in PTDF Abuja are northerners. I didn't know they didn't even care about you but how happy you made them feel. No one was out there to hurt anyone and they were generous with grading. I realized afterwards that other centres are in universities and those lecturers were testing each scholars, even going to the extent of using some words on applicants.

I just realized I have written something very lengthy, please ignore the errors.


If you want to have a good PTDF interview experience and you can make it to Abuja, use the centre. Other centres are in universities with Nigerian lecturers. They will ask you irrelevant questions or assess you with how happy they are on that day. When they see a topic that's closer to what they know, they will grill you until you become confused just because they want to show they know the topic. So I often avoid University Centres.

In Abuja, you will meet people who are doing well their life is good, they gain nothing by bringing you down. Just do your best and they will do their too. Some of other are northerners who isn't concerned much about you. So speak nicely and you have convinced them.

So guys goodluck. I was also shortlisted for PhD interview and I don't know how my experience would be but then whatever happens, I am open minded. Goodluck to everyone and God's Grace.

hosey:
Nice observation and write-up bro.

But the problem now is that in some venues, they didn't even ask for publications and membership. Some centres only used just 2 minutes.

Moreover, some of those who chose virtual were not attended to as interviewers didnt show up or perhaps interviewers came very late.
Many virtual applicants were not asked to show their credentials.

Why bring crowds when you can't interview them well. Shortlist to the bare minimum.

It should be noted that in some centres, they asked for publications, membership and employment letter confirmation for work experience (especially lecturers or working in the relevant sector). Some interviews lasted more than 10 mins n some centres.

There is a lack of consistency and this has resulted to flaws.

The idea of an exam would have been better for MSC due to the high population.

Interview and publications are great for PhD as it tests their research prowess.

The interview is just full of luck and not competence anymore. The best won't win due to this.

Life isn't fair after all.

Good luck everyone.

The PTDF scholarship has it's weakness but what you mentioned there isn't part of it in my opinion. Also, I don't know your definition of 'the best' when you said they won't win. It's people with this view of yours that end up getting the scholarship.

The current assessment process is the best. I wonder how writing an exam would lead to the selection of the 'best' candidate when you can either assess them with questions that are not useful in the MSC or PhD studies. So the fund should continue with this form of assessment in my opinion.

Physical or Virtual oral interviews varies. In the last 7 months of my return, I have had to sit in an interview, assessing people, atleast I have interviewed 50 persons and I can tell you that each interview brings it's unique experience. When I went for my MSc interview, we didn't waste much time, they asked their questions, I tried to convince them and left. Like I posited few pages ago, applicants are expected to try to lead the interview. Be the one to direct it and then you will have a good experience.

I have attended even PhD interviews, virtual ones, I even get one on Monday and there's nothing different. It's all about trying to convince people and scoring points.

For publication, schools in Nigeria are encouraged to do useful projects that continue the current copy and paste they do in some B.Sc projects. My set and the ones that followed, B.Sc projects are published. I published mine albeit in an African Journal. I have seen undergraduate publications from University of Ibadan and University of Lagos. I think it's very fair to judge with this metrics for a master or PhD project. In Europe, no one expects you to have a publication even after a masters program, but this is because of their thesis method where its done in the industry with proof of real work done. However, when you publish you project, it's an added advantage to anything. On May 18, my thesis was accepted and presented in a conference. It will soon come out in their publications and I have shared with some professors and I can tell you, it speaks well of you. Again, I hold that it's not bad to add it in a metrics for a PhD studies.

For experience, PTDF realized that some good people don't get first class or even 2:1, so in other to accommodate even 3rd class people with exceptional experience, they started to ask for work experience in their assessment and this depends on the applicant and interviewer. For me, I was asked if I am employed and what I do at work. And some times, these 2:1 or 2:2 people when given go on to change the narratives of their undergraduate.

Membership of a professional body is good too but not necessary. The point is, one gets more experienced when they belong to a professional body but maybe not in Nigeria where no professional body seem to be working or even adding value other than collecting membership fee and renewal of license.

For me I think we should all have open mind. PTDF is the easiest scholarship to get. For me, I lost hope in Nigeria, that I don't even apply for government job or anything. I have never applied for any government job or programme. Not one until PTDF. And I applied to PTDF because their application if very easy. After I couldn't complete the difficult MEXT Japan Scholarship and submit at their embassy since I wasn't leaving in Abuja or Lagos then, I had everything with me, so when the PTDF thread popped on nairaland front page, I clicked the link and decided to see where it leads to. In few minutes, I submitted my application and that was the easiest scholarship application format anywhere. The interview list came out and I got an email, went for the interview and was even surprised to be shortlisted.

Liebermann:
Maybe mrphysics or dmainman can come in.

Well, the only problem with PTDF scholarship is that the 'country' doesn't get much value for investment. So it becomes just much of an easy way to leave the country. For the avoidance of doubt, there is a clause of returning to the country upon completion of studies but the said clause is not compulsory nor enforced. Infact they'd recommend you don't even come back knowing they don't have anything for you upon your return. PTDF will tell you that the only reason to stay back after your studies is if you get a PhD or Work, but that is not true.

So scholars decides their next fate after their studies. For me, I think it's just about spending a budget, i.e. every year, they get a budget for oversea scholarship for a certain number of people from every state. So once, your budget money for 2 (MSC) or 3 (PhD) scholarship is exhausted, then you are on your own.

This isn't good, because the country spend huge money on scholars. For a UK scholar, each of them gets a budgetary expenses of over N30m and at the end the country can't recall them and fix them in the oil and gas sector and improve their knowledge and human resources.

Turkey does the same thing, they fund you until PhD, given the best of scholarship funding but then upon completion, you must return to work for the government for atleast 5 years. Why can't PTDF do the same, the only answer is the quota system in employment, the evidence of a failed country.

I have seen scholars remain behind doing menial jobs because coming back to the country isn't even an option as they have nothing doing when they come back. So they prefer to do some of the worst jobs out there while here in Nigeria, they could be an asset in the improvement of any sector they are into.

biosystech:
I had mine in Abuja too, Tuesday. Exactly as yours went, so did mine. What was the time duration of your interview?

First, I was asked for my WAEC and BSc and I gave both certificates to them. Then, I was asked if I belonged to a professional body and I presented them with the evidence. Then some questions from two of the judges there, after which I was asked for a publication and that, I do not have (felt bad about this).

One thing I still want to understand though is this; could one's undergraduate project serve as a publication, even when it is practical work and not research-based?

Summary, dress formal like people said here (I was asked why I did not wear a tie despite dressing formal), belong to professional bodies, have a publication, get ready to answer a few questions and pray (if you believe in God).

CC: myphysics, please, the bolded. Any idea?

Well your undergraduate project is not a publication until it's been published anywhere. And again it depends on how you manage the interview and convince the interviewers. My undergraduate project was published, so I had a score for it. I have also published my MSc. thesis.

Don't disturb yourself much about publication, it's probably 1 or 2 points. When I did my interview I didn't know I will get it. I rated it generally as not good and yet I got it.

I strongly believe after reading your experience that you will make the final list.

Raphaelmary:
Okay, thanks but won't it conflict with what's in my application?

If you had taken time to go through this thread, even the last 4 pages, you'd have found the answer to your question. It's been repeatedly answered on this thread.

I found it not cool having to respond to questions that have been answered multiple times. Let's take time to read threads. We are all scholars and reading is part of the deal.

kingajibola:
Congratulations Bro.
Your home is blessed.
We are waiting for updates as we learn from you even since you came back to Nigeria.

Thanks bro. I will update the thread soon.


Those that posted their mail, I will also contact you this morning.

trigger11:
so you are still on this trend ... i go need some small advice from you ooh ,,,, how do i contact you ??

Sure bro. Just looking for time to properly update this thread.

Go ahead and ask your questions or drop your email and I will write you. I don't have access to my DM.

trigger11:
Mrphysics come oooh someone has shoot shot here

and this trend shouldnt jus die like that now

lol. I am married bro.

Hi Guys, I have been away for sometime now.

It's been a whole lot of busy schedule:

1. Got married on a month ago
2. Very busy work schedule. We got a contract with one state government. We have been working on executing the contract. Will take a long time though.
3. Chasing other life options, PhD, etc. Don't even know if I should disturb my brain again, but then the insecurity is just too much.

How are we all doing? I have missed you guys, the engagement on this page and a whole lot.

Ibrixy:
Thanks for your input.
My question goes thus; Is it possible to change Country/Course of study after the scholarship has been awarded?
For example: from UK to Germany or vice versa?

From UK to Germany/France/Malaysia ==> Yes

From Germany/France/Malaysia ==> NO

LarryUgo:
Please can anyone give tips on the interview questions for Msc and how to prepare. Atleast to know area of concentration.

Well, interview questions are not unique or general. It's just the normal interview you are used to. Expect same generic interview intro questions like:

1. Introduce yourself etc. kind of question.
2. Your undergraduate project
3. Talk your letter of motivation
4. Do you work? What do you do at work
5. What do you want to do after your studies?

They will first of all request for your documents while you explain the above.

They can score you based on your composure. Even if you are talking trash like I did in 2019 in a good way, trying to convince, convert, and confuse them, you will get your grade. Some of them are not entirely interested especially if you are not from their state. You have to be very good at interview, being clear and explicit at explanations, persuasive in speech and showing some level of motivation for your topic.

Don't over do yourself, just moderate it and you will be fine. There's no formular, sometimes it's purely luck, other times, it depends on competition from your state. High traffic states requires that you do well enough to get an interviewer smiling and feeling convinced even though he doesn't understand what you are saying.

Great5050:
Okay now according to your explanation does it mean when someone is awarded for Uk, then the person have to pay for Tuberculosis test, Health insurance, Visa fee, ticket fee? Monthly stipend for the month you arrived in the UK?

Also I saw one video like that that when the scholar left for UK the person was not given a stipend until after some time I don't know if it is the end of the month or the second month.

Because of the nature and speed of UK schools, scholars are encouraged to proceed with the payments while they get refunded. If you wait for the CBN to approve the fund, you may not start. Most often, PTDF scholars are paid within 3-6 months of arriving in the UK. They are reimbursed for all expenses save the flight and visa fee that PTDF will cover immediately.

ayowhizi:
Can you please throw more light on the DAAD application and shortlisting. I chose Germany, got the interview invite, but yet to apply for any school. And again I chose one school and one course all through my selection. Can I also update that. Or should I just focus on getting the scholarship first

For Germany, France, and maybe Malaysia scholars, PTDF does not manage them directly. PTDF manages solely UK scholars directly. For others the Fund relies on third party scholarship bodies for effective and efficient management of the scholars. Thus, for Germany: DAAD, France: Campus France, etc.

So once you have been shortlisted, PTDF will forward the list of the successful candidates to their management body accordingly. For DAAD, because it's usually late, they often open their portal to accommodate new PTDF scholars who will be asked to register with DAAD. They will be shortlisted after checking their files again. After being shortlisted by DAAD, the scholar will now seek for admission and then keep updating their information with DAAD.

In this instance, the role of PTDF will only be to provide you with proof of fund, scholarship award letter (to ease your admission search), and provision of a flight ticket. When you go through DAAD, they will be no need to pay for Visa fee or when you pay, PTDF will refund. For scholars who are not shortlisted for DAAD (Of course this is purely for German Scholars), PTDF will proceed with the process of opening a blocked account for them.

This is how it goes. For French Scholars, the process is easy, you don't need to be shortlisted again by Campus France. PTDF will provide you with your proof of fund, sponsorship letter which will be used to apply for Visa when you are admitted to any school. Campus France will get an accommodation for you, they will plan your trip from the Airport in France to your accommodation.

The monthly stipend is paid by the scholarship management body (DAAD & Campus France).

For UK Scholars, PTDF is their DAAD and Campus France. They sometimes have to fund their trip to the UK and get reimbursed when they land. I mean they go through the entire Nigeria bureaucratic system. But its better than France and Germany because getting admission in UK is pretty easy. You can apply today and get admission today. Also, I think (not sure) that their monthly stipend is better

Crytoguy101:
Hey guys..Goodmorning, please for the personal statement update, Am I to do a new one and submit or just resubmit what I already have

In the lower or last part of the email you received you were told to ignore the update if you don't wish to make any change.

ayowhizi:
Can one equally change school after getting the scholarship. Cos I chose Germany

This question has been answered repeatedly. As a rule of thumb, one should always read the first and last 3 pages of every thread when confused.

To answer your question, you can change from Germany to France and vice versa but can't do it for UK.

biosystech:
I was shortlisted for OSS MSc.

Congrats to all involved!

I have questions:

1. Those that chose Germany and France, have you applied to the respective schools? If yes, how did you go about that of Germany?

Mrphysics, help needed. Thank you.

First of all congratulations to you and those that have been shortlisted. God's Great Grace to the final list.

For now your chances are 50:50, so it won't be out of order to start apply for schools. Getting admission is difficult in Europe. So please start applying. For Germany scholars, they still have to go through DAAD application and shortlisting. This also takes some time and also delays somethings as you cannot control it.

I started applying after getting the scholarship. I was lucky to get the admission on time.

Once again congratulations

I like that H.E Soludo has a plan of how to get to the people. From ensuring touts do not harass people while government levies or taxes are collected to removing wastes from the street to visiting the correctional facilities. I am confident he will do something real during his first term.

engrzico:
No, only pension is deducted @8%.

The problem is that HRs or Finance Managers make some assumptions during tax filings. And the systems are not built in such a way to send the tax receipts to individuals whose PAYE were paid for. So you don't know the assumption your HR or finance manager made. He/she may have included the Pensions, NHIS, etc.
For state like Lagos, they remove also the Economic Development Levy.

Let me know if you are still unable to calculate your PAYE. The attached images above is enough to compute your PAYE. But its not very straightforward. We are building an automated tax filing platform for some states and we have designed it that upon successful PAYE payment, each employer will receive via email a PAYE certificate with which same individual will use to apply for TCC at the end of the year if they so wish.

engrzico:
Thank you for your time. Please what is the New method. I think that's where I need more clarification.

Except if your firm (depending on location) has implemented the new method backed by the 2020 Financial Act.
The difference isn't even much because the government is trying to reduce the taxable income.

So basically, the 20% that is deducted from the gross is only made when you subtract the Non taxables (NHF, Pension, and the 200k too, etc)

See the attached and ignore my writing.

engrzico:
I work in a manufacturing company in Ogun state.
Anuall income before tax of 2.5m

I helped a HR with PAYE computation. However there's been a little change from 2020 financial act.

The old method of computation is as below:

engrzico:
I work in a manufacturing company in Ogun state.
Anuall income before tax of 2.5m

Is NHF, pension, NHIS paid for you?

Sulybayus:
I need to know more about this tax issues I want to know what percent they're charged on 100k as gross .

Its simple to calculate but depends on some other factors. Do you pay NHIS, Pension, NHF? These are deductibles

makkosky:
It can be calculated monthly. On your second line, it can be 1% if it's not more than minimum wage, it can be 5% on amount earned ( WHT scenario) or be added back to staff monthly gross pay and be subjected to PAYE computation.

There is no need of making it a percentage. Its best added to the gross income.

Over time is not withholdable. Except if you want to call it services and specify which. And in this case if it's added to the PAYE calculation, it doesn't affect it because it has been taxed as WHT.

From the regulatory point of view, overtime should be added as an earned income

makkosky:
It can be calculated monthly. On your second line, it can be 1% if it's not more than minimum wage, it can be 5% on amount earned ( WHT scenario) or be added back to staff monthly gross pay and be subjected to PAYE computation.

There is no need of making it a percentage. Its best added to the gross income.

Over time is not withholdable. Except if you want to call it services and specify which. And in this case if it's added to the PAYE calculation, it doesn't affect it because it has been taxed as WHT.

From the regulatory point of view, overtime should be added as an earned income.

Power plants are built to shut itself down under certain conditions like fire, earthquakes, flood, etc. However, aside shutting down itself, the reactor needs it's cooling system working very well in other to continue core cooling and avoid Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA).

Whatever it's happening, the nuclear power plant SHOULD be avoided.

erotji:
Boss good morning...
Please I need your help. I chose your school in France for this scholarship.
How do I obtain admission as PhD applicant? Thanks so much

Sorry that this response is coming late.

First, I haven't been a PhD student so my response should be seen as an opinion than the true state of things. Feel free to ask other persons.

Normally in Europe, you don't get admission without first getting a supervisor. So the best way is to get a supervisor who will then write to the school and get you an admission. This is the pattern that I have seen over time in Europe generally.

FERNANDEZISBACK:
No one is underestimating them but judging by their military capability they are in no match to survive a full blown war against NATO..

For anyone who has some knowledge on military issues,the question should have been if Russia has any chance to stand against NATO for more than a week.

We don't live in 1942 where comrade Stalin orders the slaves to work non stop and produce 80.000 T 34 tanks. It wouldn't be any good even if Russians had a million tanks. That's the reason they're not producing in quantity T 14 Armata. In modern warfare the key to victory is air superiority. That's a field where Russians lack behind 30 - 40 years in technology,at least. They had to get targeting pods for their jets and thermal vision for their tanks from France...
Another thing is how long can they keep fighting when they are still struggling with their economy..
Pu*tin is considerate and wouldn't wanna engage himself in a war against NATO or USA.. casualties from both sides especially Russia is gonna be fatal..

1. I didn't tell you that Russia will survive a fight with NATO and that is because NATO is nothing but a team of countries protecting each other. This simply means Russia fighting a combination of US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain and more all put together.
2. I also told you that aside this marriage of states of nations called NATO, if faced in one on one fight, Russia will not fear any of them except US. And even the US, they will match them.
3. Without also the influence of US on NATO, Russia does not see anything in NATO, infact, Russia knows that NATO is US and nothing more.
4. Putin does not remove the possibility of invoking nuclear war heads if it comes to that and you know that without that, then war is nothing but people shooting guns one to another.

The same thing the US refused from happening in Cuba is what they want Russia to accept in Ukraine. Putin is stubborn, a dictator, and the Russian people are not happy but they will prefer to be hungry than allow US at their backyard. The current issue have even united Oppositions in Russia. I have 2 Russian classmates, though they hate to return to Russia however, they don't want to hear anything US.

I forgot to add @FERNANDEZISBACK, when in 2 years back, US refused China from joining the ISS, China built theirs and launched to the space and will within the year or next year launch the first human to their own International Space Station.

My point is, Russia and China are moving towards independence as they move towards over coming America in terms of military. These countries devote more finance in building military weapon and training their soldiers than they do in trying to boost their economy. Russians as not as happy or as free as Americans, however, they have complete loyalty to their countries.

So let's stop underestimating them bro, unless EU, NATO, or US gives Russia evidence in writing that Ukraine will NEVER join NATO, invading Ukraine might be a foregone conclusion.


@FERNANDEZISBACK remember the bolded. It was just but a matter of time. The recent decision to invoke came when the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK will send lethal weapons to Ukraine. Putin already figured out that other countries will do. The dictator knows that he has already crossed the line and nothing will change how the West will see him. So it is best to invade Ukraine before they get access to some weapons that can match theirs.

FERNANDEZISBACK:
Haha..

I read your first post and I think you are underestimating Russia.

For the avoidance of doubt, without NATO protection, and in the face of war, Russia will completely destroy France, Germany, Italy, Spain, not to talk of India that have nothing, or Israel. Russia is a super power.

Now, let's talk about the main thing, there is something about Russia you don't appreciate that the US appreciates. Over time, they have built independence and have everything they need or will need. Due to the nature of the country and it's government, most foreign countries don't associate with their products which limits same product to majorly Russia, however they are intelligent and are doing great military wise.

The international space station (ISS) is occupied majorly and almost in equal measure by Russia and US. Infact, it was just about 2 years ago in 10 years that America launched using an America space shuttle, Astronauts to the ISS. Other times, they have always been launching with Russia space shuttle.

The US knows the implication of a war with America and Putin rightly said that in such war, no one would win but he won't lose. Joe Biden told US citizens in Ukraine to leave Ukraine as he won't sent evacuation planes for them as that would lead to US and Russia shooting against each other, a scenario that will lead to full blown war.

Aside the influence of US in NATO, Russia have no single fear of NATO. The main European countries are aware of the capabilities of Russia. When it comes to Nuclear, Russia is self sufficient and have amassed many weapon grade uranium.

Putin will prefer to invade Ukraine, recover the country such that they will never ever have the option of joining NATO. What they will lose from the US sanctions, they gain from taking over the country and it's resources.

While we will continue to appreciate America's strength in war, Russia have same and are ready for it. Russia and US are the two countries that have the capability to destroy the entire world.

Solved the first part.

Now follow the method to solve the rest.

I solved the easiest. Lol

adebayo18015
1. Find the Laurette series of each of the following

c. exp(2z)/ (z-1)^3 ; z=1

@adebayo18015 I actually did C and this is very correct.

I checked engineering mathematics and I was able to do it.

DisGuy:
https://www.nairaland.com/cartalk

Thanks bro for reminding him.