The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced its 2024 -2025 Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship Program for applicants from the Niger-Delta region.

The NDDC  in a statement  n its website stated  that the scholarship is aimed at encouraging  human resource development in the Niger-Delta region and also equip  young people with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content program of the Federal Government, as well as enable them to acquire specialization in their fields of study and thus compete globally in various professional disciplines.

According to the NDDC, the scheme is designed for qualified applicants with relevant bachelor’s degrees from recognized universities in agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, geosciences, information technology, medical sciences, and law.

To be eligible for the scholarship, one must hail from the Niger Delta Region and have achieved a First Class, Second Class, Upper, or Lower Division Bachelor Degree.

The following selection procedures will be observed:  

1. Initial Application: Interested candidates must submit an online application via the Commission’s website.
2. Preliminary Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on the following criteria:
3. WASSCE/NECO results
4. Local government identification
5. Undergraduate degree classification (1st Class, Second Class, Upper/Lower)
6. Computer-Based Test: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a computer-based test conducted by NDDC consultants in Rivers State.
7. Minimum Test Score: Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70% in the test to proceed to the next stage.
8. Further Shortlisting: Candidates who successfully pass the test will be further shortlisted.
9. Final Verification: The final verification of the candidates will be done through the Local Government Area (LGA) and Community Development Committee (CDC).

The Mode of Application still remains that applicants are required to submit their applications online through the Commission’s website: www.nddc.gov.ng. 

The following documents must be attached to the application: 

1. Recent passport photograph
2. Local Government Identification Letter
3. Postgraduate admission letter from a recognized overseas university.
4. Relevant degrees from recognized universities
5. NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate.

The NDDC added that upon successful completion of the application form, a registration number will be automatically assigned, and successful applicants are advised to print a hard copy of the online-generated acknowledgment for future reference.

Also, all shortlisted applicants will be announced and posted on the NDDC website: www.nddc.gov.ng. They will subsequently be required to take part in a computer-based test (CBT).

The NDDC also warned stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters. 

It stated,

• “The Commission (NDDC) will not enter into any form of communication with candidates who are not shortlisted for the computer-based test (CBT), those who are not invited for an oral interview, or candidates that are not successful during the oral interviews. 
• “Preference will be given to candidates from oil-producing host communities or local government areas as long as they meet the approved cut-off mark. 

The Commission will ensure a fair spread of courses among beneficiaries within each state. Deferment, change of institution, and change of course are not permitted. The Commission reserves the sole and absolute discretion to select in line with the above-stated criteria and its internal considerations. The decision of the Commission in this regard is final.

“For further inquiries, please contact: Director, Education, Health, and Social Services, NDDC.

Mobile: +234(0)9137806550, +234(0)9049409391 E-mail: foreign.scholarship@nddc.go.ng

The deadline for submission of applications is May 13, 2024.