The NigThe Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is pleased to announce the commencement of its Foreign/Local Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for the academic year. This initiative is designed to provide Niger Deltans with the opportunity to pursue Masters and PhD degrees in reputable universities both abroad and within Nigeria. The scholarship aims to enhance human resource development in the Niger Delta region by equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete effectively in the global job market and contribute to the local content programme of the Federal Government.

Eligible Disciplines

The scholarship is open to applicants who have obtained relevant Bachelor’s degrees from recognized universities in the following fields:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Software/Aeronautic Space/Aeronautic Engineering
• Marine/Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering
• Civil/Mechanical/Metallurgical Engineering
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Robotic Engineering
• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Math/Sciences
• Medical Sciences/Medicine and Surgery
• Hospitality Management
• Law
• Architecture

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission of applications is five weeks from the date of this advertisement. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute complications.

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to Nigerian students from the Niger Delta region. However, international students who meet the eligibility criteria are also welcome to apply.

Scholarship Type

The NDDC scholarship covers both Masters and PhD programmes. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in their chosen fields at recognized universities abroad or within Nigeria.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NDDC Foreign/Local Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Origin: Applicants must be from the Niger Delta region.
2. Academic Qualifications: Candidates must possess a minimum of five credits at not more than two sittings in relevant subjects.
3. Degree Classification: Applicants must have obtained a First Class or Second Class Upper Division degree from a recognized university.
4. Admission Letter: Candidates must have secured admission into a recognized postgraduate programme (Masters or PhD) at a reputable university.

Application Process

Prospective and qualified candidates are required to follow the steps outlined below to apply for the scholarship:

1. Online Application: Visit the NDDC website at https://scholarship.nddc.gov.ng/login to complete the online application form. The application is free of charge.
2. Required Attachments: Applicants must upload the following documents during the online application process:
   • A recent passport photograph.
   • A Local Government Identification letter.
   • A postgraduate admission letter from a recognized university (either overseas or in Nigeria).
   • Relevant degree certificates from recognized universities.
3. Registration Number: Upon successful completion of the application, a registration number will be automatically assigned to the applicant.
4. Acknowledgement Slip: Applicants are advised to print a hard copy of the online-generated acknowledgement slip for future reference.
5. Shortlisting: All shortlisted candidates will be published on the NDDC website (www.nddc.gov.ng). Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
6. Further Selection: Candidates who perform well in the CBT will be invited for an oral interview. Final selection will be based on performance in both the CBT and the oral interview.

Important Notes

• The NDDC will not communicate with candidates who are not shortlisted for the CBT, those not invited for the oral interview, or candidates who are unsuccessful during the oral interviews.
• Preference will be given to applicants from oil-producing host communities/local government areas, provided they meet the approved cut-off mark.
• The Commission will ensure a fair distribution of scholarship awards across all states in the Niger Delta region.
• Deferment, change of institution, and change of course are not permitted under any circumstances.
• The NDDC reserves the sole and absolute discretion to select candidates based on the stated criteria and internal considerations. The decision of the Commission is final.

Contact Information

For further enquiries, please contact:

• Director of Education, NDDC
• Mobile: +234(0)8032610105 or 07035681124
• Email: [email protected]

NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Details and FAQs

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is a federal government agency established in 2000 by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. The primary mandate of the NDDC is to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, which is rich in oil and gas resources but has historically suffered from underdevelopment and environmental degradation.

In September 2008, President Umaru Yar’Adua announced the creation of the Niger Delta Ministry, under which the NDDC operates as a parastatal. The establishment of the NDDC was largely in response to the demands of the Niger Delta population, which is composed of diverse minority ethnic groups such as the Ijaw and the Ogoni. These groups have long sought greater autonomy and control over the region’s natural resources, citing environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil exploration activities as key grievances.

Despite the region’s vast oil wealth, the Niger Delta remains one of the most underdeveloped and impoverished areas in Nigeria. The NDDC was created to address these challenges by implementing development projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta.

Human Resource Development Initiatives

As part of its human resource development initiatives, the NDDC has launched the Post-Graduate Foreign Scholarship Programme. This programme is designed to equip Niger Deltans with the skills and knowledge needed to participate effectively in the Federal Government’s Local Content programme and to compete globally in various professional fields.

The scholarship programme is open to Nigerian students from the Niger Delta region who wish to pursue postgraduate studies (Masters and PhD) in recognized universities abroad. The NDDC is committed to ensuring that beneficiaries of the scholarship programme receive the necessary support to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the development of the Niger Delta region.

Conclusion

The NDDC Foreign/Local Postgraduate Scholarship is a golden opportunity for Niger Deltans to further their education and acquire specialized skills in their respective fields. By investing in the education of its people, the NDDC aims to foster sustainable development in the Niger Delta region and empower its citizens to compete on a global scale. Interested candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply before the deadline. For more information, visit the NDDC website or contact the Director of Education using the contact details provided above. Good luck!