Sub Category

Trainee / Graduate Jobs

Administrative Jobs in Nigeria

Advertising Jobs Nigeria

Accounting Jobs in Nigeria

Auditing Jobs Nigeria

Arts Jobs in Nigeria

Android / IOS Developer Jobs

Agriculture Jobs in Nigeria

Architecture Jobs in Nigeria

Aviation Jobs in Nigeria

Automobile Jobs in Nigeria

Banking Jobs in Nigeria

Computer & InfoTech Jobs

Computer / IT Support Jobs

Customer Service Jobs

Civil Engineering Jobs

Cook / Chef Jobs

Database Jobs in Nigeria

Driving / Dispatch Rider Jobs

Education Jobs for Nigerians

Real Estate Jobs

Electrical/Electronics Jobs

Engineering Jobs in Nigeria

Facility Mgt Jobs in Nigeria

Finance Jobs in Nigeria

Front Desk Jobs in Nigeria

Geology Jobs

Government Jobs in Nigeria-

Graphics Design Jobs

Hospitality Jobs in Nigeria

Hotel Jobs in Nigeria

HR Jobs in Nigeria

Industrial Attachment (Internship)

Insurance Jobs in Nigeria

Journalism / Content Writing Jobs

Law Enforcement / Security Jobs

Lecturing Jobs in Nigeria

Law / Legal Jobs in Nigeria

Linux & Unix Jobs Nigeria

Marketing & Sales Jobs

Maritime & Shipping Jobs

Medical & Healthcare Jobs

Military Jobs in Nigeria

Computer Networking Jobs

NGO Jobs in Nigeria

Oil & Gas Jobs in Nigeria

Oracle Jobs in Nigeria

Personal Assistant Jobs

PHP & MySQL Jobs in Nigeria

Physician / Medical Officer Jobs

Public Relation Jobs

Programming / Software Jobs

Pri/Sec Sch Teaching Jobs

Real Estate Jobs in Nigeria

Remote / Work-at-home Jobs

Research Jobs in Nigeria

Safety & Health Jobs

Secretarial Jobs in Nigeria

Security Jobs in Nigeria

Sales Jobs

Shipping & Maritime Jobs

Student Jobs in Nigeria

Software Developer Jobs

System Admin Jobs in Nigeria

Teaching Jobs in Nigeria

Telecommunication Jobs

Semi-skilled / Factory Work

Volunteer Jobs Nigeria

Web Developer Jobs Nigeria

Web Designer / Frontend / UI Jobs


Job Filter

Get Latest Nigerian Jobs Alert!
Enter your email below.










  
          Popular Jobs
Owlman PRS Job Recruitment (5 Positions)

Sundry Foods Limited Trainee & Exp. Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

LifeBank Job Recruitment (10 Positions)

The Advancement Place Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Lopterra Services Limited Trainee & Exp. Job Recruitment (6 Positions)

Lifemate Nigeria Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Bukka Hut Restaurant Job Recruitment (8 Positions)

Watu Credit Limited Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Westfield Consulting Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Bethel Mind Recruits Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

TGI Distri Limited (a TGI Group Company) Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

International Medical Corps (IMC) Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

BethelMindRecruits Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Pharma Ethics Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Save the Children Nigeria Job Recruitment (6 Positions)

mDoc Healthcare Job Recruitment (8 Positions)

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) International Leadership Trainee Program 2024

Elizade University Job Recruitment (20 Positions)

SPIE Oil & Gas Services Job Recruitment (8 Positions)

Hilton Worldwide Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Paras Energy Job Recruitment (8 Positions)

Plan International Job Recruitment (13 Positions)

Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

OnePyramid Consulting Limited Job Recruitment (3 Position)

Ohan Corporate Services Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

New Private Medical Diagnostic Centre Job Recruitment (5 Positions)

Zojatech Limited Graduate & Exp. Job Recruitment (6 Positions)

Beacongate Limited Job Recruitment (5 Positions)

Jibs-Ray Nigeria Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Khenpro Global Services Job Recruitment (9 Positions)

Amaiden Energy Nigeria Limited Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Nestoil Limited Job Recruitment (7 Positions)

Yardoak Project Graduate & Exp. Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

HR-Light Consult Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Fadac Resources and Services Limited Job Recruitment (9 Positions)

Roducate Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

IO Furniture Limited Job Recruitment (5 Positions)

Scrapays Plc Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Babban Gona Farmer Services Nigeria Limited Job Recruitment (3 Positions)

Schlumberger Limited Job Recruitment

Alfred and Victoria Associates Job Recruitment (7 Positions)

TotalEnergies Nigeria International Masters Degree Scholarship 2024

Advantage Health Africa Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Odixcity Consulting Job Recruitment (9 Positions)

Agurate Online Limited Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

HR-EX Consulting Job Recruitment (7 Positions)

Kennedia Consulting Limited Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Goldplates Feast House Job Recruitment (4 Positions)

Prestigious Consulting Group Job Recruitment (4 Positions)


PTDF Scholarship Scheme 2012 / 2013 for MSc, PhD and Undergraduate Programs

Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 - hotnigerianjobs.com --- (72 comments)


The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources established by Decree 25 of 1973 dedicated for the purpose of development, promotion and implementation of petroleum technology and manpower development through research and training of Nigerians as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in the fields of engineering, geology, geosciences, management, economics and relevant fields in the petroleum and solid minerals industry in Nigeria or abroad. Copied from: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Our mission is to train Nigerians to qualify as graduates, professionals, technicians and craftsmen in the field of engineering, geology, science and management in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria or abroad. We have a vision to serve not only as a vessel for the development of indigenous manpower and technology transfer/acquisition in the petroleum industry but also to make Nigeria a human resource centre for the West African sub-region.

PTDF Undergratduate / Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2012 / 2013

To ensure a steadfast implementation of this mandate, PTDF is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the MSc and PhD as well as Undergraduate Scholarships, under the 2012/2013 PTDF Scholarship Scheme. Scholarships will be awarded for studies in areas listed below, in the United Kingdom, France and upgraded Universities in Nigeria for the 2012/2013 session. However, the Undergraduate level will be awarded for studies in Nigeria only.

Application Forms can be accessed online using an ATM card or through purchase of a scratch card from designated major branches of First Bank of Nigeria Plc in all the States and FCT, upon payment of a NON-REFUNDABLE sum of N1,000 (One Thousand Naira Only). Instructions on how to access the form online is clearly stated on the backside of the cards.

PTDF however wishes to inform applicants that the Overseas Scholarship Scheme was instituted as a short term measure to address identified skills gaps, pending the outcome of the various capacity building efforts being made to enable our domestic universities effectively handle the onerous task of grooming qualitative professionals in the oil and gas related disciplines. With the numerous upgrade programmes executed by the Fund in some Federal Universities in Nigeria, emphasis has shifted to training Nigerians in-country. Consequently, only a limited number of candidates will be sponsored overseas and the rest in Nigerian Universities listed below.

LIST OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES:
  • African University of Science and Technology – Petroleum Engineering
  • Institute of Petroleum Studies, Port Harcourt
  • University of Port Harcourt- Gas Eng
  • University of Ibadan- Petroleum Eng
  • University of Nigeria Nsukka- Geology
  • University of Benin- Chemical Engineering
  • University of Jos- Mining & Geology
  • University of Maiduguri – Geology
  • Ahmadu Bello University – Chemical Eng
  • Usman Dan Fodio University – Industrial Chemistry
  • University of Uyo – Chemical & Petroleum Eng
  • Bayero University Kano – Electrical Eng
This year, a new programme called “THE SPLIT PHD PROGRAMME” is being introduced for sponsorship in the 2012/13 Academic Year. Copied from: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Applicants may please note that only those who meet the requirements below shall be shortlisted and invited for Electronic Aptitude Test, in the case of Undergraduate and Master’s, while oral interview will be conducted for PhD (full or split) on dates to be announced later. Following the aptitude tests and interview, the best qualified candidates will be selected and awarded PTDF Scholarships.

PLEASE NOTE:
THAT UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS MUST BE IN THEIR 2ND YEAR IN ANY OF THE LISTED NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES, WHILE THE POSSESSION OF A VALID UNIVERSITY ADMISSION LETTER IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL PHD APPLICANTS.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A.)  UNDER GRADUATE (Nigeria Only)
  • Possession of 5 credits in WAEC/SSCE/NECO including English Language and Mathematics
  • Must have concluded the 1st year of their study in any of the PTDF upgraded Federal Universities listed above.
  • Must have scored a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on scale of 5 or 4.5 on a scale of 7 in their 1st Year.
  • Must scan and attach a copy of their admission letter
  • Students admitted into the University through Direct Entry i.e. 200 level must have either of the following:
  • - Minimum of Upper Credit at the Diploma level
  • - Minimum of 10 points in interim Joint Matriculation Board (I.J.M.B) examination.
  • - Minimum of 8 points at the Advanced Level General Certificate of Education (G.C.E).

B.)  MSc (Nigeria and Overseas)
  • A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in an Oil and Gas related field OR a 2.2 with oil and gas industry experience
  • National Youth Service (NYSC) certificate
  • Applicants must be computer literate
  • Possession of O/level with Credit in English Language in WAEC/SSCE (C6) or NECO (C4);
  • Applicants must not be above 30 years of age
  • Applicants without credit in English language as in (4) above but possess any of the following may apply
  • - Test of English language as a foreign language (TOEFL)
  • - G.R.E ( Graduate Record Examination)
  • - GMAT – for Management related courses
  • - International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

C.)  PhD Program
  • Applicants must be in the academics teaching oil and gas related discipline;
  • Applicants must possess minimum of 2.2 on first degree and a good second degree certificate;
  • Applicants must submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (of not more than 5 pages) to include: Topic, introduction, objective, methodology and mode of data collection;
  • Applicants must include valid admission letter;
  • Applicants must not be over 40 years of age; and;
  • Applicants must include their masters degree project

DOCUMENTS TO SCAN AND ATTACH TO THE APPLICATION FORM

Applicants are advised to scan copies of the following documents and attach to their online application forms:
  • First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
  • NYSC discharge certificate
  • WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO Results or provide PIN numbers on the application forms to enable PTDF view the results on the relevant website; and
  • Recent Passport Photograph
  • Local Government Identification Letter
  • Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD Applicants only)
  • Admission Letter (Undergraduate and PhD Applicants only)

LIST OF APPROVED COURSES FOR SPONSORSHIP


A.)  MSc Program

Scholarships will be offered for admission into the under listed courses (for overseas MSc). Candidates are advised, to apply for admission into Universities in the UK and France that offer these courses, while applying for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Scholarship.
  1. Asset Management (Engineering Asset Management)
  2. Basin Evolution and Dynamics
  3. Diving and Underwater Technology
  4. Energy Systems Engineering
  5. Environmental Engineering
  6. Environmental Remote Sensing
  7. Fire & Explosion Engineering
  8. Health Safety and Environment
  9. Marine Computational Fluid Dynamics
  10. Maritime Operations
  11. Occupational Health and Safety
  12. Offshore and Ocean Technology
  13. Offshore Engineering
  14. Pipeline Engineering
  15. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
  16. Refinery Design and Operations
  17. Subsea Engineering
  18. Thermal Power (Gas Turbine Option)
  19. Welding Engineering
  20. Design of Rotating Machines
  21. Control Systems
  22. Hydraulic Engineering (France)
  23. Fluid Mechanics and Energetics (France)

B.)  PhD PRIORITY RESEARCH AREAS

The PhD research areas in addition to the afore-listed MSc program areas may also include any of the following related areas:
  1. Environmental Studies and HSE (Health, Safety and Environment).
  2. Marginal Fields Development.
  3. Flow Assurance and Pipeline Engineering.
  4. Geology and Petroleum Geology.
  5. Civil and Marine Engineering.
  6. Renewable Energy.
  7. Reservoir Engineering/Production Technology.
  8. Refining Technology.
  9. Ship Building & Marine Technology.
PLEASE NOTE THAT:
  • Recipients of a similar scholarship need not apply
  • Applicants who already possess a master’s degree should not apply for msc programme, but are qualified to apply for the phd.
  • Candidates applying for undergraduate sponsorship may seek more information (if required) from the ptdf lss coordinators in the nigerian universities listed above
  • Closing date for applications is 31st October 2011.
Click here for more information

  

Comments (72)

No. 1
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 12:15:45 GMT by Don Carisman

This program should include all Nigerian universities!
No. 2
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 12:51:44 GMT by IDOWU TOBI JOHN

this is good. but what of someone that is still doing nysc but will be tru before september 2012? can i still apply?

No. 3
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 13:05:23 GMT by Shuaib

Thank you very much for the information. But there is controversy with respect to the closing date its 3rd October 2011 on the officia website of PTDF while your job website is showing 31st October 2011. Please find out and inform us accordingly.
No. 4
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 13:51:21 GMT by ITO44

Fantastic bet has turned cocastic bcos it doesnt include all faculties.
No. 5
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 14:11:38 GMT by Oshiotse theophilus

Can i apply for hse with a bcs in biochemistry? Please repply
No. 6
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 14:20:13 GMT by Musa Lawan

Thanks for the information. Please can someone who will be finishing NYSC february 2011 apply?
No. 7
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 15:20:34 GMT by pius

i will need information you used to send pls.
No. 8
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 15:42:33 GMT by Paul Onuokoro

Thanks for the piece of information.i just wanted to know if i am eligible to apply although i will be rounding up my NYSC program by february 2012.
No. 9
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 18:39:05 GMT by Admin

@ Shuaib - The closing date is 31st October, 2011. It is also in their website. Just look well, it is there.
No. 10
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 21:02:13 GMT by Leonard

So PTDF has no consideration for students in the business, Accounting and Finance Field? That's not fair. PTDF is for all Nigerians, isn't it?
No. 11
Posted on Thu 06th Oct, 2011 21:15:52 GMT by Emma kc A

ptdf,please i need your help, i have enrolled for M.ENG program in production Engineering in the department of petroleum engineering of futo.i seriously need you to sponsor me please.i will be starting the program by december hopefully.emma kc
No. 12
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 07:52:22 GMT by Ademola Festus

What criteria did PTDF use in the choice of the listed university? Does it mean undergraduate students in other universities outside the list are not Nigerians? Why are our leaders enjoying creating inequallity and disunity in the country? Yet, the Ministry of Education and the President are there watching this senseless and unholy act.
No. 13
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 09:08:40 GMT by Barth

Sir,this program should include both fedral and states university in nigeria.
No. 14
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 13:00:55 GMT by M. L. Ibrahim

Sir, can someone finishing national service (NYSC) february 2012 apply? Thanks
No. 15
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 13:35:24 GMT by Chris

Pease can someone tell me the estimator used in picking those few universities, and those of us who read social siecnce(economics) and management science not considered.

No. 16
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 15:44:54 GMT by emmyson

pls can someone who wil round up his nysc programme by february 2012 apply
No. 17
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 15:54:59 GMT by Adaku chukwunyere

Sir pls why is it that u dont consider those that read their degree study under weekend progrom cos we did not go for service
No. 18
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 17:43:39 GMT by alade

what about pple wit hnd +pgd + prof. qualificatn.
No. 19
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 18:52:36 GMT by kay

plz,i am currently serving n will be rounding-up by June,2012.Can i apply 4 d scholarship.Tnks and God bless.
No. 20
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 20:05:56 GMT by xenia

im compelled to write this due to the dissappointing remarks made on this forum. as graduates u shld alwaz read carfully and understand. the skuls listed out r not d only ones whose students qualify, but patnership schools wt PTDF where some succesful candidates will be sponsored to and odas abroad.
No. 21
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 20:16:10 GMT by Princess C.A.

Good day Sir, this really is a good initiative. But i will conclude my NYSC by June 2012, can i still apply? Please an urgent reply is needed. Thank You.
No. 22
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 20:16:14 GMT by Princess C.A.

Good day Sir, this really is a good initiative. But i will conclude my NYSC by June 2012, can i still apply? Please an urgent reply is needed. Thank You.
No. 23
Posted on Fri 07th Oct, 2011 20:21:57 GMT by Princess C.A.

Good day Sir, this really is a good initiative. But i will conclude my NYSC by June 2012, can i still apply? Please an urgent reply is needed. Thank You.
No. 24
Posted on Sat 08th Oct, 2011 12:07:05 GMT by OJO Sunday

Pls can i as currently serving corp member (rounding off by june 2012) apply? And besides, i'm a microbiologist and i'll like to go for health safety and environment study. Pls i need you to reply me. Thanks a lot for the briefing.
No. 25
Posted on Sat 08th Oct, 2011 21:32:50 GMT by caleb

What of the niger delta children that are in the polytechnics
No. 26
Posted on Sun 09th Oct, 2011 08:41:26 GMT by george

i am studying marine engineering at maritime academy of nigeria, oron, akwa ibom state. Pls can i apply for the scholarship. Let me know.
No. 27
Posted on Sun 09th Oct, 2011 16:37:26 GMT by Edward

Pls i have OND in economics and management from polytechnique can apply. Pls reply
No. 28
Posted on Mon 10th Oct, 2011 08:02:53 GMT by Bright Joseph

Why are management student excluded from scholarship like this all the time.Another thing y should 2.1 be a criterial knowing fully well the corrupt nature of Nigeria Universities.
READ TO KNOW SORT TO PASS.what of those that doesnt have the money to pass.
No. 29
Posted on Mon 10th Oct, 2011 11:22:54 GMT by nwakaire ogochukwu

please send the weblink for the onlie apllication for me, and the directives. thanks
No. 30
Posted on Mon 10th Oct, 2011 15:56:33 GMT by Okonana Ezekiel

This is no doubt a very good program, but why is it favouring only those who are engineering inclined and not management and other areas? What is the fate of those who read agricultural Economics and other agriculture related disciplines. I think the program should be reviewed to favour other discipline also. Thank you.
No. 31
Posted on Mon 10th Oct, 2011 18:00:29 GMT by austine

emmh, am just laughing at the comment... any pls show me the way to the link so i can apply

No. 32
Posted on Tue 11th Oct, 2011 07:32:06 GMT by sanusi mahdi

i have a 2.2 degree in geology,am 31,i have D7 in English,and i have a 6 month experience in napims pls help me on what to do
No. 33
Posted on Tue 11th Oct, 2011 15:58:27 GMT by Soji tunde akinade

I need job i m.o n d holder i work as Qulity assrance please i need your reply thanks
No. 34
Posted on Tue 11th Oct, 2011 17:30:01 GMT by ECO

extend the age limit to 35years. After all it is meant for young graduates.
Thanks.
No. 35
Posted on Tue 11th Oct, 2011 21:55:36 GMT by Ejikeme

Plz respond promptly, i will be finishing NYSC feb. 2012, am i eligible to apply. Thanks
No. 36
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 04:33:43 GMT by Ale Olagoke S

Why non-refundable of
#1000? This is scholarship. Applicants should please read instructions or method of application carefully. Let us act like a graduate and make good comments. People around the world feel your quality.
Thank you.
No. 37
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 04:33:55 GMT by Ale Olagoke S

Why non-refundable of
#1000? This is scholarship. Applicants should please read instructions or method of application carefully. Let us act like a graduate and make good comments. People around the world feel your quality.
Thank you.
No. 38
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 04:34:10 GMT by Ale Olagoke S

Why non-refundable of
#1000? This is scholarship. Applicants should please read instructions or method of application carefully. Let us act like a graduate and make good comments. People around the world feel your quality.
Thank you.
No. 39
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 07:44:17 GMT by friday

why are u very particular with few selected sciences and not even other discipline considered.
No. 40
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 14:33:08 GMT by Tosin

I possess HND, Electrical/ Electronics Engineering,also NECO English (C4).
Is there consideration for me?
No. 41
Posted on Wed 12th Oct, 2011 14:43:25 GMT by Mohammed M U

Please extend the closing date for application so that those how are yet to get their admission should apply
No. 42
Posted on Thu 13th Oct, 2011 07:34:52 GMT by Yemi Adedeji

Is law included in your PTDF scholarship scheme?
No. 43
Posted on Thu 13th Oct, 2011 12:44:43 GMT by Nuhu Dawaki Amjnu

Law as a versatile course is it included in PTDF scholarship scheme?
No. 44
Posted on Thu 13th Oct, 2011 13:01:25 GMT by Nuhu Dawaki Amjnu

Can i have the PTDF adress please?
No. 45
Posted on Thu 13th Oct, 2011 19:20:03 GMT by james okah

Good!
No. 46
Posted on Fri 14th Oct, 2011 06:20:04 GMT by Johnson

I will be finishing my NYSC program by february 2012. Can I still apply. Thanks
No. 47
Posted on Sat 15th Oct, 2011 17:18:21 GMT by Anonymous

So na only science related courses fit apply.then PDTF should stop calling it scholarship but rather science-cultism-enablement
No. 48
Posted on Mon 17th Oct, 2011 09:06:57 GMT by monica ewomazion akokuwebe

i am a student of the Department of Sociology, university of Ibadan,Nigeria. I just finished my M.Sc program with a distinction 70.7 and I am going direct for my P.hd in the same university. Although, I had upper credit in Professional Diploma in Statistics (67.5); second class upper (5.4) in B.Sc in Statistics in the university of Ibadan.
Sir, I read through your advertisement and found out that PTDF don't include humanities like sociology into their scholarship curriculum.
I want a scholarship to assist me to further my phd here in Nigeria or abroad if it is going to be possible.
I am from Delta state and from Isoko south local government area and from Enwhe town precisely.
I would be very grateful if u will considered this for me and also waiting for your reply.
Thank you sir

Monica E. Akokuwebe
Dept. of Sociology,
Faculty of the Social Sciences,
University of Ibadan,
Ibadan- Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]
P/N0. +2348061381792
No. 49
Posted on Fri 21st Oct, 2011 11:37:09 GMT by Oladimeji bilikis

it's a nice programme, but am facing difficulties in applying.the link given, (click here to apply online) is neither opening nor connecting.could you please direct me on an easier way to apply? thanks alot
No. 50
Posted on Fri 21st Oct, 2011 18:44:20 GMT by Young cj

Am 31 yrs & graduated with high 2.2 (CGPA 3.36). I read industrial biochemistry. Can i apply for ptdf scholarship


Post a Comment
Name: *
Email: *
Comment: *