Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the advancement of education in the Niger Delta region.

He made this known while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, and his team during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, while welcoming the delegation, emphasised that NDDC has a long-standing tradition of supporting educational institutions across the region through infrastructure development and scholarship programmes.

“It is not new for NDDC to support universities; it is something we have been doing consistently. We have built hostels, classrooms, provided furniture, computers, and more. We believe in supporting the best within the region,” he stated.

He acknowledged the establishment of Wigwe University as a significant addition to the region’s educational landscape, describing it as a top-tier institution with world-class facilities. According to him, this aligns with NDDC’s mission to uplift the Niger Delta through strategic educational investments.

Ogbuku stated: “For us in NDDC, partnering with Wigwe University is something we can do with joy because the people who will benefit from the university are largely from the region. We welcome you and thank you for trusting us.

He further announced that NDDC was set to launch a local postgraduate scholarship scheme and assured that Wigwe University will be considered as one of the beneficiary institutions.

“We believe that if our students cannot go abroad, at the very least, they should receive the best education within Nigeria, and Wigwe University stands out in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, expressed appreciation to the Commission for its continuous support to education. He stated that the visit was aimed at initiating a long-term partnership with the NDDC built on mutual growth and regional development.

He remarked: “Our vision is to build an institution that is not only the best in Nigeria but also competitive across Africa and globally. To do this, we are seeking support in key infrastructure areas such as solar street lighting and water supply, and we hope Wigwe University can also be a destination for students under your scholarship scheme.”

Professor Al-Akaidi underscored the importance of the University’s location in the Niger Delta, and how NDDC’s intervention would not only enhance learning but also improve the quality of life in the host community.

“We are confident that the NDDC, as a champion of educational advancement, will support us not only in manpower development but in infrastructure that enables world-class learning,” he said.

•PHOTO: L-R: The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan.