The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 6,200 shortlisted applicants from the nine Niger Delta states for its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.

Speaking during the CBT, held at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, said the 2026 computer test was the second phase of the scholarship exercise, noting that the programme was designed to deepen human capital development across the Niger Delta region.

She stated: “This programme is designed to invest in human capital development, which remains a priority for the present administration of the NDDC. 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.”

Ezugu noted that the programme had been running since 2010, sponsoring scholars in reputable foreign universities. She noted: “Many of them return after completing their studies to contribute to the region's development. The process is transparent, and candidates know their scores immediately after completing the test, which determines whether they qualify for the next phase.”

Also speaking, the Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, said the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme was designed to create a measurable impact in the Niger Delta and empower youths in the region through quality education.

She commended the Board and Management of the NDDC for sustaining the programme, noting that it had continued to produce outstanding academic results over the years.

Chukwudifu said: “One of the strengths of this process is its transparency. 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.”

One of the candidates, Victor Diekedie, described the application and examination process as free, fair, and transparent.

Another candidate, Miss Ndukwe Esther, also commended the smooth and transparent conduct of the exercise, describing the scholarship initiative as a laudable intervention that was empowering youths of the Niger Delta.

She expressed optimism that her good score would earn her a place among the successful beneficiaries.

Providing insight into the conduct of the exercise, the consultant overseeing the process, Mr Godson Ideozu, disclosed that over 16,000 candidates applied for the scholarship, out of which 6,200 were shortlisted for the CBT stage.

He explained that the test sessions were spread across four days, with six to seven sessions held daily to accommodate candidates from across the Niger Delta region.

Ideozu said: “As soon as a candidate completes the examination, the result is uploaded immediately to the portal. This makes the process transparent, open, and credible. From there, qualified candidates are selected for the oral interview stage.”

He noted that the transparent, technology-driven process underscored the Commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and excellence in selecting beneficiaries for the scholarship programme.

•PHOTO: NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu (2nd left), accompanied by the Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu (right) overseeing the Computer-Based Test for the Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship programme at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. With them is the consultant overseeing the process, Mr Godson Ideozu (right).

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