The NDDC is one of the select few public agencies in Nigeria that offers scholarships to Nigerian students, and I commend them for this remarkable initiative.
The scholarship program for the current year covers a wide range of disciplines including Engineering (such as Software/Aeronautic Space/Aeronautic Engineering), Medical Sciences/Medicine and Surgery, Computer Science Technology, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality Management, Law, Architecture, Robotic Engineering, and Mathematics/Sciences.
According to the commission, the core objectives of the scholarship scheme are to enhance human resource development in the Niger Delta region, equip young individuals with essential training and skills, and prepare them to compete on a global scale in their chosen fields. Detailed application information can be found on the commission’s website.
Contents
Also Apply for: Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Program in USA – Over 4,000 Beneficiaries
Dr. Efiong Akwa, the Interim Administrator/Chief Executive of NDDC, announced the launch of the scholarship scheme earlier this month. He emphasized that applicants must come from the Niger Delta region and should possess five credits at not more than two sittings. Furthermore, students are expected to have achieved either a First Class or Second-Class (Upper Division) to be eligible for the scholarship.
Mr. Akwa stressed that the online application process is free, and shortlisted candidates will undergo a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted in each State of the Niger Delta by consultants to assess their proficiency in English, Mathematics, and General Paper.
Mr. Akwa stated, “Quality education is at the heart of the development of any nation. We, at the NDDC, will continue to support the youths in the Niger Delta region to acquire the necessary education and skills so that they can make meaningful contributions to the development of Nigeria.”
Since its inception in 2010, the NDDC scholarship scheme has provided education and various technical skills training to approximately 2,000 young individuals from the Niger Delta region, and I personally take great pride in their exceptional academic achievements.
The inspiring success stories from beneficiaries of the program validate the significant investments made by the commission. They serve as a source of motivation for future generations of NDDC scholars. For example, Miss Cynthia Ebimiere Farka studied Oil and Gas Engineering at Coventry University in the United Kingdom and is now a proud ambassador of the NDDC program.
Another scholar, Miss Francisca Chiedu, studied Information Engineering and Network Management at Robert Gordon University in the United Kingdom and was elected as President of the United Kingdom University Student Union during her time there. Her accomplishments demonstrate that Nigerian youth can lead innovative changes within and outside the country, serving as a testament to the NDDC’s impact.
Furthermore, Mr. Ubong Peters, a Ph.D. student in Australia, greatly represented the NDDC foreign post-graduate scholarship by winning a three-minute thesis competition at his university.
Other exceptional scholars, like Mr. Augustine Osarogiagbon, completed his Ph.D. in less than the stipulated time at Memorial University in the UK and has been offered a dual Ph.D. program with two graduate assistants, as well as a post-doctoral fellowship. Additionally, Mr. Charles Igwe, a Ph.D. scholar in Construction Engineering at Concordia University in Canada, made noteworthy contributions by redesigning a road construction project, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Apply also: UK Chevening Scholarships 2024-2025 Application – Begins
Since 2010, a total of 1,411 students have received scholarships, with 1,066 being supported in M.Sc programs and 345 in Ph.D. programs. Notably, five M.Sc students graduated with distinctions from Coventry University, England, and one from Aberdeen University.
These impressive results highlight the depth of talent within the Niger Delta region and the positive contributions of the NDDC to talent development in the country, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The objective is to empower individuals to successfully compete for employment opportunities in the oil industry and to encourage entrepreneurship in the region.
It’s worth mentioning that the new Minister of the Niger Delta, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, is strongly supportive of the commission’s scholarship program. In a discussion with this writer in his office in Abuja, Mr. Umana acknowledged the program as one of the outstanding achievements of the NDDC and expressed his commitment to supporting it as the supervising minister.
In light of the remarkable impact and success of the scholarship program, I strongly recommend that it not only continues but also expands to include undergraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, an applicant must be from the Niger Delta Region and have obtained a First Class Degree, Second Class Upper Division, or Lower Division.
- The scholarship scheme is available to suitably qualified candidates holding relevant Bachelor’s Degrees from recognized Universities. The following professional disciplines are eligible for application:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Robotic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Math/Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Hospitality Management
- Law
- Architecture
- Environmental Science.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for this prestigious scholarship opportunity.
Application Process
- Initial Application: Prospective candidates interested in applying should complete an online application via the Commission’s official website.
- Preliminary Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on the following criteria:
- WASSCE/NECO results
- Undergraduate Degree classification (1st Class, Second Class Upper/Lower)
- Local Government Identification
- Computer-Based Test: Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a computer-based test organized by our consultants in Rivers State.
- Minimum Test Score: Candidates must attain a minimum score of 70% in the test to proceed to the next stage.
- Further Shortlisting: Successful candidates who meet the minimum test score requirement will undergo further shortlisting.
- Final Verification: The final verification of the candidates will be carried out by the Local Government Area (LGA) and Community Development Committee (CDC).
How to Apply
To complete the application, please ensure that the following documents are attached:
- Recent passport photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Admission letter for a post-graduate program from a recognized overseas university
- Relevant degrees from recognized universities
- NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate
Once the application form is successfully submitted, an automated registration number will be assigned to each applicant. It is advised to print a hard copy of the acknowledgment generated online for future reference.
Shortlisted applicants will be announced and published on the NDDC website (www.nddc.gov.ng). These candidates will be required to participate in a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Please note the following:
- The NDDC will not engage in any communication with candidates who were not shortlisted for the CBT, those who were not invited for an oral interview, or candidates who were unsuccessful during the oral interviews.
- Candidates from Oil Producing Host/Communities/Local Government Areas will be given preference as long as they meet the approved cutoff mark.
- The Commission will ensure an equitable distribution of courses among beneficiaries in each state.
- Deferment, change of institution, and change of course requests are not permitted.
- The Commission holds the sole and absolute discretion to select candidates based on the specified criteria and internal considerations. Its decision in this regard is final.