The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has revealed that the agency will soon begin a local postgraduate scholarship programme aimed at supporting 600 Niger Delta youths annually in pursuing higher education within Nigeria.
Ogbuku made the disclosure in Port Harcourt while inspecting the oral interview session for candidates of the 2025 NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship. He stated that the new initiative was inspired by the consistent successes of the Commission’s foreign scholarship programme.
The NDDC foreign scholarship, established in 2010, aims to produce top-tier professionals in various disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, environmental science, information technology, law, and management. Ogbuku noted that scholars from previous editions have recorded numerous distinctions in universities across the UK and the US.
“Last year we actually had multiple distinctions. This year, too, we’re receiving reports of excellent academic performances from our scholars,” he said.
According to the NDDC boss, while only 200 slots are available for the foreign postgraduate scholarship each year, the new local version will triple the opportunity, offering 600 scholarships annually. The initiative, he said, will broaden access to education for youths across the region.
“This oral interview session ends on Friday, and by Monday, the publication for the local postgraduate scholarship programme will be out. People can then begin applying,” he announced.
Some candidates, including Blessing Chinonso, a visually impaired applicant, praised the process for its transparency and seamless execution. They urged the NDDC to continue the programme, noting that it significantly empowers youths across the Niger Delta.
What you should know
The NDDC will introduce a new local postgraduate scholarship programme starting next week. It will provide 600 scholarships yearly, complementing the existing foreign scholarship scheme that has produced scholars with distinctions in the UK and US.
