NDDC Boss Reaffirms Commitment To Supporting Universities

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to advancing education in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbuku made this commitment while receiving Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, and his team during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Ogbuku welcomed the delegation and emphasized the NDDC’s longstanding tradition of supporting educational institutions throughout the region through infrastructure development and scholarship programs.

“The NDDC’s support for universities is not new; it’s something we’ve done consistently. We’ve built hostels and classrooms, and provided furniture, computers, and more. We believe in supporting excellence within the region,” he stated.

He acknowledged the establishment of Wigwe University as a significant and welcome addition to the region’s educational landscape, describing it as a top-tier institution with world-class facilities. He stated that this aligns with the NDDC’s mission to uplift the Niger Delta through strategic investments in education.

“For us at the NDDC, partnering with Wigwe University is a welcome opportunity, as the university’s beneficiaries will largely be from the region,” Dr. Ogbuku said. “We welcome you and thank you for trusting us.”

He further announced the NDDC’s plans to launch a local postgraduate scholarship scheme and assured the delegation that Wigwe University would be considered as one of the beneficiary institutions.

“We believe that if our students cannot study abroad, they should at least receive the best possible education within Nigeria, and Wigwe University excels in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, expressed his appreciation for the Commission’s continued support of education. He stated that the visit was intended to initiate a long-term partnership with the NDDC, built on mutual growth and regional development.

“Our vision is to build an institution that is not only the best in Nigeria, but also competitive across Africa and globally,” he remarked. “To achieve this, we are seeking support in key infrastructure areas such as solar street lighting and water supply. We also hope Wigwe University can become a destination for students under your scholarship scheme.”

Professor Al-Akaidi underscored the importance of the University’s location in the Niger Delta and noted that the NDDC’s intervention would not only enhance learning but also improve the quality of life in the host community.

“We are confident that the NDDC, as a champion of educational advancement, will support us not only in manpower development, but also in infrastructure that enables world-class learning,” he said.