Previously focused primarily on foreign postgraduate studies, the NDDC’s scholarship initiative will now prioritize local institutions in an effort to promote homegrown academic development and address increasing demand for inclusive educational support.
Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, revealed the initiative during a press briefing at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, emphasizing the Commission’s renewed commitment to sustainable human capital development within the region.
“We are scaling up our investment in education to ensure more of our young people have access to quality learning opportunities here at home. This expansion to local universities allows us to reach more students and reinforce our support for Nigerian institutions,” Dr. Ogbuku stated.
The programme will provide full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, books, and living stipends for selected students in various disciplines, with special consideration given to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and other strategic sectors vital to regional development.
Education stakeholders have lauded the move as timely and impactful, noting that the extended reach of the scholarship programme could help mitigate educational inequality and brain drain from the region.
Applicants must hail from one of the nine Niger Delta states and will be selected through a competitive process to ensure merit and transparency, the NDDC confirmed.
The expanded scholarship scheme is part of a broader initiative by the Commission to empower youths, stimulate economic growth, and foster long-term stability in the oil-rich but often marginalized region.
Further details on eligibility and application procedures are expected to be released later this month via the NDDC’s official communication channels.
For press inquiries or further information, contact: press@nddc.gov.ng
