NDDC Assures Fair, Transparent Selection for Foreign Postgraduate Scholarships

The Niger Delta Development Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and equitable process in awarding foreign postgraduate scholarships to indigenes of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during an assessment visit to the scholarship interview venue in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku gave assurances that the selection process would be free from bias, prejudice, or compromise. He was represented at the event by the Commission’s Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Patience Ezugu.

Ogbuku noted that past beneficiaries of the scheme had performed excellently in their respective fields of study, with no reports of misconduct or criminal behaviour. He expressed satisfaction that the ongoing exercise had been conducted seamlessly and without complaints from candidates.

The NDDC Director of Education, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, stated that successful applicants would be encouraged to return home after their studies and apply their acquired knowledge towards the development of the region. She praised the Commission’s dedication to building the capacity of Niger Delta people, adding that the computer-based examination system allows candidates to view their scores immediately, further demonstrating the integrity of the process.

Professor Beleudanyo Fente, a lecturer from Niger Delta University in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, who chaired the interview panel, commended the NDDC for creating an educational opportunity that improves the lives of the region’s indigenes. He said his team had ensured an efficient workflow to conduct a fair interview, with no room for compromise, and that only the most suitable candidates would be selected.

The programme’s consultant, Chief Godson Ideozu, revealed that 12,277 candidates applied for the scholarship. Of these, 5,986 passed the computer-based test, while 2,492 were selected for oral interviews. Those who succeed in the final stage will be invited for a departure briefing in due course.

One of the candidates, Mrs. Akindoyeni Oluwabukunmi, described the process as transparent and satisfactory. She said the scholarship would enable her to enhance her knowledge and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta region, while also thanking the NDDC for providing an opportunity for less privileged individuals to advance their education.

The NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is designed to support human capital development in the Niger Delta by sponsoring qualified candidates for advanced studies abroad, equipping them with skills to drive the region’s socio-economic growth.