The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has concluded a computerized test to choose candidates for its postgraduate foreign scholarship programme for 2025.
Boma Iyaye, who serves as the finance and administration executive director at the NDDC, shared this information with reporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He mentioned that around 6,000 candidates chosen from nine different states within the Niger Delta participated in the test.
“The scholarship initiative, which started in 2010, has generated highly qualified professionals skilled with the knowledge and know-how necessary to thrive in various fields,” he stated.
Mr. Iyaye reiterated the commission’s dedication to developing human resources as a strategy to provide chances for individuals in the Niger Delta to succeed.
He pointed to the limited number of candidates who took the test as a result of some individuals failing to provide the necessary documentation and details.
“Consequently, just 6,000 candidates from the nine states in the Niger Delta took part in the computer-based test, which was held over three days.
“Despite the significant financial demands associated with the foreign scholarship programme, the NDDC is determined to maintain it,” he confirmed.
Mr. Iyaye also mentioned that the commission is contemplating broadening the scholarship programme to encompass undergraduate education at Nigerian universities.
He emphasized that adding a local scholarship aspect would enable a larger number of local students from the region to take advantage of the initiative.
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George Uzonwanne, the director overseeing education, health, and social services at the NDDC, underscored that a nation’s progress is evaluated based on the quality of its educational system.
He elaborated that the scholarship programme aims to develop highly proficient professionals equipped with the skills necessary to make significant contributions in industries like oil and gas.
“The initiative provides our youth with the essential training and competencies required for meaningful involvement in the federal government’s local content efforts.
“It also allows them to focus on their selected academic areas, thus boosting their competitiveness on a global scale,” Mr. Uzonwanne explained.
He expressed assurance regarding the integrity of the selection procedure and confirmed that the initiative would persist.
The scholarship programme encompasses various scientific disciplines, including engineering, agricultural studies, environmental science, geosciences, information technology, management sciences, law, and architecture.