The Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced the commencement of applications for its foreign master’s postgraduate scholarship programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Ashenews reports that the commission disclosed this in a statement posted on its official 𝕏 handle on Monday, noting that the application portal opens on March 23, 2026, and will close on April 19, 2026.
According to the NDDC, the scholarship scheme is designed to equip young Nigerians from the Niger Delta region with advanced education and professional training.
The commission stated that the initiative aims to boost beneficiaries’ capacity to participate in local content development while enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market.
Eligibility Criteria Outlined
The commission said applicants must possess either a first-class or second-class upper division degree from a recognised institution.
It added that candidates must not be older than 40 years at the time of application.
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online through the commission’s official website.
Required documents include a recent passport photograph, Local Government Identification letter, postgraduate admission letter from a recognised overseas university, academic certificates, and either a National Youth Service Corps discharge or exemption certificate.
The NDDC stated that each applicant would receive a registration number upon successful submission and advised candidates to print their acknowledgement slips for reference.
The commission explained that the selection process would begin with a preliminary shortlisting based on candidates’ WASSCE or NECO results, undergraduate degree classification, and Local Government identification.
Shortlisted candidates will proceed to a computer-based test to be conducted in Rivers State.
According to the commission, applicants must score at least 70 per cent in the test to move to the next stage.
Successful candidates will then undergo further screening and final verification through their respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees.
The NDDC noted that the scholarship is fully funded and will be awarded based on the prevailing exchange rate of the naira.
It added that preference would be given to applicants from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
The commission also stated that changes in course or institution, as well as deferment of the award, would not be permitted.
It stressed that only shortlisted candidates would be contacted and that it reserves the right to make the final decision on all selections.
