No fewer than 200 beneficiaries of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme are set to depart for universities across Europe and other parts of the world for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The scholars, selected from a pool of 2,492 candidates who participated in the oral interview stage of the programme, were formally briefed by the Commission ahead of their departure, with NDDC urging them to pursue academic excellence and uphold the values of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Speaking at the pre-departure ceremony, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the scholarship as a strategic investment in human capital development and charged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies while avoiding distractions and social vices.
He specifically warned against drug abuse, which he described as a growing threat to young people and society.
“This scholarship is not a holiday. Work hard, remember where you are coming from, and ensure that the Niger Delta benefits from the knowledge and experience you acquire,” Ogbuku said.
He urged the scholars to serve as worthy ambassadors of the region and the country, noting that beneficiaries of previous editions of the programme had distinguished themselves academically, with more than 30 students graduating with distinctions during the last academic session.
The Managing Director assured the beneficiaries that scholarship allowances would be paid promptly, adding that any scholar found wanting in conduct or academic performance could forfeit the award.
“There is a growing problem of drug abuse in our society today. Do not indulge in it and avoid friends who engage in such activities. The country needs young people with sound minds who can provide quality leadership in the future,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, described the scholarship programme as one of the Commission’s most impactful interventions in education and capacity building.
According to her, the initiative reflects the NDDC’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the Niger Delta through sustained investment in education and human capital development.
The Director of Education, Mrs Angela Chukwudifu, advised the beneficiaries to safeguard their travel and academic documents and conduct themselves responsibly while studying abroad.
Providing details of the selection process, the consultant for the scholarship programme, Chief Godson Ideozu, disclosed that only 200 candidates emerged successful after a rigorous screening and interview exercise involving 2,492 applicants.
Among the beneficiaries, Miss Aisosa Margaret from Edo State emerged as the overall best candidate with a cumulative score of 90. She is expected to pursue a Master’s degree in Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
She was closely followed by Mr Nwokocha Michael from Imo State, who secured admission to study Ecological Transition in Paris, France.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the two top-performing scholars expressed gratitude to the NDDC for the opportunity and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them through outstanding academic performance.
They assured the Commission that they would strive for distinctions in their various fields of study and return home with knowledge and skills that would contribute to the development of the Niger Delta region.
