The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has charged beneficiaries of its 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme to strive for academic excellence, maintain good character, and avoid social vices, particularly drug abuse, while studying abroad.

Speaking during the pre-departure briefing for the 200 scholarship beneficiaries, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged the scholars to be worthy ambassadors of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria, stressing that the scholarship was a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that would contribute to the region's development.

Ogbuku noted that beneficiaries of previous editions of the programme distinguished themselves academically, with over thirty students recording distinctions in the last academic session.

He encouraged the scholars to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions from the lifestyles of their host countries. He assured them that their scholarship allowances would be paid as and when due, while warning that any beneficiary found wanting in conduct or academic performance risked having the scholarship withdrawn.

The Managing Director stated: “This scholarship is not a holiday. Work hard, remember where you are coming from, and ensure that the Niger Delta benefits from the knowledge and experience you acquire. Since the inauguration of the current Board and Management, payments have always been made promptly. We expect you to abide by the terms and conditions of the programme.”

Ogbuku also cautioned the scholars against drug abuse, describing it as a menace that destroys lives and threatens the future of society.

“There is a growing problem of drug abuse in our society today. Do not indulge in it and avoid friends who engage in such activities. The country needs young people with sound minds who can provide quality leadership in the future. When you travel overseas, be careful and return home with a sound mind,” he advised.

The Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, described the scholarship scheme as an investment in the future of the Niger Delta people.

She noted that the Commission had committed substantial resources to educational development, stressing that the scholarship programme was designed to secure a brighter future for the region by developing human capital.

In her closing remarks, the Director of Education, Mrs Angela Chukwudifu, advised the scholars to safeguard all their travel and academic documents and avoid actions that could put them in trouble while abroad.

The consultant for the scholarship programme, Chief Godson Ideozu, disclosed that out of the 2,492 candidates who participated in the oral interview stage, 200 emerged as beneficiaries of the 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.

Miss Aisosa Margaret from Edo State emerged as the overall best candidate with a cumulative score of 90. She is set to study Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. She was closely followed by Mr Nwokocha Michael from Imo State, who will study Ecological Transition in Paris, France.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the two top-performing scholars expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies overseas. They pledged to excel academically, attain distinctions in their various fields of study, and make the Niger Delta region proud.

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