Beneficiaries of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2026/2027 foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme are set to travel abroad to commence their respective programmes abroad.
At a pre-departure briefing for the 200 beneficiaries, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged the scholars to be worthy ambassadors of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria, stressing that the scholarship was a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that would contribute to the region’s development.
He therefore charged them to strive for academic excellence, maintain good character, and avoid social vices, particularly drug abuse, while studying abroad.
Ogbuku encouraged the scholars to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions from their host countries. He assured them that their scholarship allowances would be paid promptly.
The Managing Director said, “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.
“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. When you travel overseas, be careful and return home with a sound mind.”
The Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, described the scholarship scheme as an investment in the future of the Niger Delta people.
The Director of Education, Mrs Angela Chukwudifu, advised the scholars to safeguard all their travel and academic documents and avoid actions that could put them in trouble while abroad.
The consultant for the scholarship programme, Chief Godson Ideozu, disclosed that out of the 2,492 candidates who participated in the oral interview stage, 200 emerged as beneficiaries of the 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
Miss Aisosa Margaret from Edo State emerged as the overall best candidate with a cumulative score of 90. She is set to study Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. She was closely followed by Mr Nwokocha Michael from Imo State, who will study Ecological Transition in Paris, France.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the two top-performing scholars expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies overseas. They pledged to excel academically, attain distinctions in their various fields of study, and make the Niger Delta region proud.
