The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has awarded scholarships to 600 successful candidates under its 2025/2026 local postgraduate scholarship programme. The presentation of the scholarship award letters took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a ceremony attended by top officials of the commission.
Presenting the letters, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the scholarship initiative was part of the commission’s efforts to promote human capital development across the Niger Delta region. He explained that the programme was designed to help the region produce skilled professionals who can contribute to solving its developmental challenges.
Dr Ogbuku, who was joined by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde; the representative of Bayelsa State on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa; and other directors, urged the beneficiaries to uphold integrity and excellence in their studies. He encouraged them to be good ambassadors of the Niger Delta and to use the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
This was contained in a statement released in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
According to Dr Ogbuku, “Education remains the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.” He commended past beneficiaries who have made the region proud, stating, “It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.”
He reminded the new scholars that they carried the hopes of millions, saying, “You are the torchbearers of transformation. 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 NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzowanne, revealed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected after a transparent electronic examination process. He said, “I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.”
Dr Uzowanne emphasised the fairness of the process, noting that “competition for the programme was intense and fair.” He added, “Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. 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.”
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Education, Dr Angela Chukwudifu, explained that the scholarship now focuses on local institutions to help students stay connected to the realities of the Niger Delta. She said the approach would help them understand the region’s challenges and take ownership of its development.
The best-performing candidate, Mr Reginald Omubo-Pepple, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for the opportunity, pledging that all beneficiaries would remain dedicated and committed to contributing positively to the progress of the Niger Delta region.