The NDDC Scholarships are a series of fully and partially funded academic scholarships overseen by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The NDDC was established in the year 2000 by the then Olusegun Obasanjo administration to address agitations of government negligence in the crude oil-rich region.
Ever since its inception, the NDDC has been overseeing several developmental, academic and welfare programs within the designated areas. The impact of the Commission in the Niger Delta region has been numerous, yet the situation in the region has not gotten quite different since its formative years. Oil spills are still a very big concern in the zone, and lack of government presence is still visible, but beyond these complex challenges is access to quality education.
There has been a retrogression in education in the Niger Delta Region. Lately, insecurity has also been on the rise after some brief stability during the initiation of the amnesty program; however, the result of the amnesty program seems not to be having the desired impact.
This brings a shift in the dynamics of the commission whereby attention is being paid to the provision of quality education, thereby introducing the NDDC Scholarship for overseas programs. The idea is to nurture refined human resources that can effectively pilot the affairs of the region in the present and in the time to come.
Eligibility
Geography: The NDDC Scholarship is only available to people from the Niger Delta region. As of today, the Niger Delta region includes the following Nigerian states: Abia Stae, Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. Note that while all of the States in the South-South Geopolitical zone are part of the NDDC, some other states outside the South-South geopolitical zone are also part of the NDDC.
This is important as several individuals equate the South-South geopolitical zone to mean Niger Delta. Niger Delta goes beyond the South-South to include Abia and Imo in the South East and Ondo in the South West.
Age:ÂFrom previous NDDC scholarship programs, the age limit is usually pegged at not more than 30 years. This is to ensure that young and growing individuals get to benefit from the platform.
Discipline: The commission prioritizes scholarship to disciplines of strategic advantage to the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta region is a coastal and oil-rich region. There is a need to maximize the resources of the region. Earlier, we have noted oil spill pollution in the region. This has threatened aquatic lives in a region where fishing is a traditional occupation.
Fields like Marine Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Geology and mining, environmental science etc. are a priority. Given that the Niger Delta region has a huge coastline. Water-harbored causative agent illnesses are very common. This brings medicine to a priority field of study by the NDDC.
Excellence: Applicants for the NDDC scholarship are expected to manifest a vibrant academic record. The very objective of the NDDC scholarship is to shape young individuals from the region with the capabilities to confront present and future challenges. This requires both academic and other forms of intelligence. Being a coastal region, the Niger Delta is constantly threatened by climate change.
Rising sea levels, both presently and in the future, are already presenting challenges. Fixing the problem both today and in the future will require the practical application of a great degree of intelligence. Envisaging the task and responsibility ahead for the region, the commission aims to ensure that the best brains get to benefit from the NDDC scholarship.
Passion for the Zone: Applicant must indicate passion and willingness to make the society better. This includes an indication of sound character and genuineness in achieving societal and regional objectives. Indication of leadership qualities is also a remarkable trait that may guarantee your success in the NDDC scholarship program.
Recommendations: Applicants are expected to be recommended by a credible institution or an academic authority through letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendation need to vouch for the applicant’s character, intelligence, tolerance, and qualification for overseas studies.
You May also be interested in the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Postgraduate Scholarships – Fully Funded (in Europe, and Asia) 2024/2025
Benefits of The NDDC Scholarship
Successful applicants stand to gain a lot from the NDDC scholarship; such benefits include
Fully or Partially funded tuition: The NDDC offers both fully and partially funded tuition depending on the scholarship criteria. This tuition coverage will enable successful applicants to concentrate on their studies.
Monthly Stipends and allowances:Successful applicants for the NDDC Scholarship qualify for monthly allowances; these stipends are intended to cater to the beneficiary’s personal effects and other needs, such needs include accommodation, clothing, feeding and other important items.
Opportunity to travel abroad: In Nigeria, it is somewhat of a great achievement to leave the country; the NDDC scholarship for international studies gives successful applicants an opportunity to study overseas.
Future Employability: Depending on the field of study, the Niger Delta region is one of the regions with the highest paying jobs working in the oil companies. Studying overseas and on a scholarship would boost the beneficiary’s employability.
Political Opportunities: The NDDC is a highly political program. Studying on an NNDC scholarship would open applicants up to the politics of the Niger Delta region upon graduation. The time of the scholarship program will offer participants the rare opportunity of being closer to the commission. This can open doors for future contracts and political appointments.
Access to a Network of like-minded individuals and fellow beneficiaries: Since several other people are on the NDDC scholarship, it offers beneficiaries the opportunity to network and meet like-minded individuals. Such opportunities to meet other intelligent candidates from the region can bring even more opportunities.
Leadership and understanding of regional challenges: The NDDC program can build successful applicants into better leaders. This happens when they are able to understand the challenges the people of the region face through the different NDDC training programs for its beneficiaries.
Medical coverage: The NDDC Scholarship includes a health insurance package, which is aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare for candidates while abroad.
Application ProcedureÂ
Application for the NDDC Scholarship follows a defined step aimed at ensuring transparency.
Step 1: Applicants are to process their application using the NDDC Scholarship application portal interface. Click Here to Start your ApplicationÂ
Step 2:Adhere to instructions while processing your application and endeavor to provide all required information. When done, submit your application.
Step 3:Depending on your intended destination country, you may need to obtain a required language proficiency score, for example, TOEFL and IELTS, for English proficiency destination. It is important to have taken the proficiency examination before submitting your application so as to include your result as part of your application process.
Step 4:Be on the watch out. You need to pay closer attention to your email or watch out for updates on the NDDC website for feedback on your application. You will be notified if you succeed in the application stage. It is important to follow up the process so as not to miss out on subsequent interviews and other document submissions.
While the NDDC Scholarship is competitive, we encourage you to give it your best. Best Wishes.