Emmanuel Ukudolo I Thursday, October 09, 2025
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced its selection of 600 candidates for the 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing human capital development within the oil-rich but often underdeveloped Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The award letters were presented to the successful candidates at a ceremony in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. The scholarship scheme, Ogbuku noted, is a crucial component of the commission’s strategy, describing education as the most powerful weapon for changing the region’s fortunes.
”You are the torchbearers of transformation,” Dr. Ogbuku told the recipients. “Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.”
The emphasis on local education for this program is a deliberate strategy. NDDC Director of Education, Dr. Angela Chukwudifu, explained that it is designed to ensure beneficiaries remain connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility.
“By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges,” Dr. Chukwudifu stated.
The selection process for the grants was highly competitive. Dr. George Uzowanne, NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, disclosed that the 600 successful candidates were chosen through a transparent electronic examination process from a pool of 46,240 applicants.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the track record of previous beneficiaries, noting that they had set “enviable standards.” He cited the achievement of a past group, stating: “It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.”
The commission’s chief executive urged the new scholars to avoid distractions and focus on excelling, reminding them that they owe a duty to succeed on behalf of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Reginald Omubo-Pepple, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for the opportunity. He pledged that the awardees would strive to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute their expertise to its development.
