The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 6,200 shortlisted candidates for its 2026 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
Dr Patience Ezugu, Director of Education, Health, and Social Services at the NDDC, made the remark in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Ezugu said the candidates were drawn from nine Niger Delta states and participated in the exercise held at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
She said the test marked the second phase of the programme and selection process for the scholarship scheme.
“The programme is designed to deepen human capital development in the Niger Delta, which remains a priority for the present leadership of the NDDC,” she said.
She added that the commission aimed to equip beneficiaries with skills to compete globally and contribute to national and regional development.
“We want to build a region where our people are globally competitive. One successful scholar can uplift a family and contribute meaningfully to society.
“We have seen many of our past beneficiaries return to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta after completing their studies,” she said.
Ezugu emphasised that the process was transparent with the candidates being able to see their results immediately after completing the test.
In her remarks, the NDDC Director of Education, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, said the programme was designed to empower youths through quality education.
She said one of the pillars of the programme was its transparent selection process, which reinforced the credibility of the exercise.
Chukwudifu commended the NDDC Board and management for sustaining the initiative for over 20 years.
Also speaking, the Consultant for the selection process, Mr Godson Ideozu, said that over 16,000 applicants initially applied for the scholarship.
He said only 6,200 candidates were shortlisted for the CBT stage after the initial screening.
“The test is conducted over a four-day period, with six to seven sessions daily to accommodate all candidates,” he said.
Ideozu explained that results were uploaded instantly to enhance transparency and credibility.
“Qualified candidates will proceed to the oral interview stage after the CBT,” he added.
He said the technology-driven process underscored the NDDC’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and excellence in selecting beneficiaries for its programmes.
