NDDC Awards Foreign Postgraduate Scholarships To 200 Niger Deltans

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has awarded foreign postgraduate scholarships to 200 candidates for its 2025 scholarship program, representing a significant investment in human capital development for the region.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, made the announcement, emphasising the selection process’s integrity and transparency.

“The 200 beneficiaries went through a rigorous qualification process that was free of political interference or external influences,” Dr. Ogbuku said.

“The panel formed to oversee this qualification process worked tirelessly to produce the best candidates, raising the bar and yielding the best outcomes.”

Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the success of previous scholarship recipients, pointing out that one beneficiary from last year’s program achieved exceptional results, demonstrating the program’s stringent selection process.

He also stated that the Commission is considering resuming doctoral scholarship programs, citing the consistently outstanding performance of previous recipients.

He emphasised the scholarship program as a key NDDC initiative designed to improve the Commission’s overall success while also exposing Niger Delta residents to global best practices and advancements.

He urged the beneficiaries to protect the Commission’s and the nation’s reputations by refraining from criminal activity and any other behaviour that could tarnish their image.

The program consultant, Chief Godson Idozo, revealed the scholarship’s highly competitive nature, noting that only 6,000 of 30,000 applicants were shortlisted for the aptitude test, which ultimately led to the selection of the final 200 recipients.

Dr. George Uzonwanne, NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to stay focused and determined in their academic pursuits.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of award letters to the beneficiaries by the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, demonstrating the NDDC’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Niger Delta leaders.