By: Tijani Salako.

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

Speaking during the exercise held on Thursday at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Patience Ezugu, said the CBT marked the second phase of the 2026 scholarship programme.

This was contained in a statement issued by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Ezugu explained that the scholarship programme was aimed at deepening human capital development across the Niger Delta region.

“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,” she said.

She noted that the programme, which began in 2010, has sponsored several scholars to reputable foreign universities.

According to her, many beneficiaries return after completing their studies to contribute to the development of the region.

“The process is transparent, and candidates know their scores immediately after completing the test, which determines whether they qualify for the next phase,” Ezugu added.

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

She commended the board and management of the NDDC for sustaining the initiative, noting that it had continued to produce outstanding academic results over the years.

“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,” she said.

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 conduct of the exercise, describing the scholarship scheme as a laudable initiative aimed at empowering youths in the Niger Delta.

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

Providing further 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.

Ideozu explained that the examination sessions were spread across four days, with six to seven sessions conducted daily to accommodate candidates from across the region.

“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 said.

He added that the technology-driven process reflects the commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and excellence in selecting beneficiaries for the scholarship programme.