The Niger Delta Development Commission received N225.8 billion as statutory allocation over an eight-month period, even as hundreds of beneficiaries of its postgraduate scholarship scheme continue to protest the nonpayment of their funds.
A review of allocation figures shows that the commission received N28.2 billion each in February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December, totalling N225.8 billion.
However, more than 450 postgraduate students from across the Niger Delta region have reportedly not received their scholarship payments, despite completing all verification and screening processes required by the commission. The beneficiaries were awarded the 2025 Local Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme, but eight months after the announcement, the funds have yet to be released.
Affected students have described the situation as devastating, saying the delay has disrupted their academic activities and placed them under severe financial strain. Some said they have exhausted personal savings and taken loans to continue their studies while waiting for the commission to fulfil its obligations.
The students have also accused the commission of poor communication, noting that repeated inquiries through phone calls, emails, and social media messages have yielded little or no official response.
They are calling on the NDDC to provide a formal update on the disbursement process, release a clear payment timeline, and expedite payment to all verified beneficiaries. They have also warned that continued silence could trigger mass protests if urgent action is not taken.
