The Niger Delta Development Commission has conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for no fewer than 6,200 shortlisted candidates drawn from the nine Niger Delta states under its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, marking a key stage in the 2026 selection process.
The examination, held at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, represents the second phase of the scholarship screening exercise. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Speaking during the exercise, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, described the CBT as a critical component of the programme’s broader objective of strengthening human capital development in the Niger Delta region. She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s priority to equip youths with the skills and exposure required to compete globally.
“This programme is designed to invest in human capital development, which remains a priority for the present administration of the NDDC,” Ezugu said. “We want to build a region where our people are equipped to compete globally, knowing that one successful scholar can uplift an entire family and contribute meaningfully to society.”
She further noted that the scholarship programme, which has been in operation since 2010, has sponsored beneficiaries to reputable foreign universities, with many returning to contribute to the development of the region. According to her, the transparency of the selection process remains a defining feature, as candidates receive their results immediately after completing the test, determining their eligibility for the next stage.
Also commenting, the Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, stated that the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is structured to deliver measurable impact by empowering young people in the Niger Delta through access to quality education. She commended the Board and Management of the NDDC for sustaining the initiative over the years, noting its consistent record of producing strong academic outcomes.
“One of the strengths of this process is its transparency,” Chukwudifu said. “As soon as a candidate completes the test, the result appears, reinforcing the credibility and integrity of the exercise. We are optimistic that through this process, the region, especially its youths, will be better empowered.”
Feedback from participants also highlighted confidence in the process. One of the candidates, Victor Diekedie, described both the application and examination stages as free, fair, and transparent. Another candidate, Miss Ndukwe Esther, commended the smooth conduct of the exercise, describing the scholarship as a laudable intervention that continues to create opportunities for youths in the region. She expressed optimism that her performance would secure her progression to the next stage.
Providing further insight, the consultant overseeing the process, Mr Godson Ideozu, disclosed that more than 16,000 applications were received for the programme, out of which 6,200 candidates were shortlisted for the CBT stage. He explained that the examinations were conducted over four days, with multiple sessions scheduled daily to accommodate candidates across the region.
“As soon as a candidate completes the examination, the result is uploaded immediately to the portal,” Ideozu said. “This makes the process transparent, open, and credible. From there, qualified candidates are selected for the oral interview stage.”
He added that the technology-driven approach adopted for the exercise reflects the Commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and merit-based selection in administering the scholarship programme.
