The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says 200 persons are set to depart Nigeria for its foreign postgraduate scholarship programme in Europe, North America and Asia.
The Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this at a pre-departure meeting with the beneficiaries, on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku said that the beneficiaries would study in Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom among others.
He urged the students to pursue academic excellence, maintain good conduct, and avoid social vices, particularly drug abuse.
“You have to be worthy ambassadors of the country. This is an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that will contribute to development,” he said.
Ogbuku stated that beneficiaries of previous editions of the programmes distinguished themselves academically, with about 30 of them earning distinctions.
He further advised the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, and avoid distraction from any form of unproductive lifestyles.
The managing director expressed the commitment of the NDDC to promptly pay the allowances of the beneficiaries.
“Let me however warn that poor academic performance or misconduct can lead to the withdrawal of the scholarship.
“It is not a holiday. Work hard, remember where you are coming from, ensure that the Niger Delta benefits from the knowledge and experience you acquire,” he said.
Ogbuku said that Nigeria needed young people with sound minds who would provide quality leadership in the future.
“So as you are traveling overseas, be careful with what you do, complete your studies, and return home with a sound mind,” he said.
The Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, described the scholarship scheme as an investment in the future of the Niger Delta Region.
Ezugu said that the commission had committed substantial resources to educational development through its human capital investment initiatives.
“The scholarship programme is designed to secure a brighter future for the region by developing skilled manpower,” she said.
The scholarship consultant, Chief Godson Ideozu, said that the 200 beneficiaries emerged out of 2,492 candidates who participated in the oral interview stage of the 2026/2027 programme.
Ideozu disclosed that Miss Aisosa Margaret, an indigene of Edo, emerged as the overall best candidate with a cumulative score of 90.
He said that she would study Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
According to him, Mr Nwokocha Michael from Imo placed second, and will study Ecological Transition in Paris, France.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Margaret and Michael expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the opportunity and pledged to make the nation proud during the programmme.(NAN)
