The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 local postgraduate scholarship programme, with eligible indigenes of the region required to submit their applications by November 8, 2026.
The commission said the scheme was designed to help young people acquire advanced knowledge and specialised skills to support socio-economic development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Applicants must be indigenes of the Niger Delta, not older than 40 years and hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least a second-class lower division.
Candidates with a Higher National Diploma (HND) must have a minimum of upper credit and a relevant postgraduate diploma, where applicable. Applicants must also possess a valid admission letter for a master’s degree programme at a recognised Nigerian university and an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
The approved fields of study are agricultural sciences, architecture, engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, humanities, information technology, law, management and social sciences, medical sciences, education, and biotechnology or biomedical science.
Interested candidates are to apply online through the commission’s official website, www.nddc.gov.ng , and upload the required documents. These include a recent passport photograph, local government identification letter, master’s admission letter, academic certificates, NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and birth certificate or valid statutory age declaration.
Applicants are also required to provide a National Identification Number slip, while their academic qualifications, WASSCE or NECO results and other eligibility documents will be assessed during preliminary screening.
Successful applicants at the initial screening stage will be invited to sit a computer-based test at designated centres in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers states. Candidates must indicate their preferred test zone on the registration portal.
The NDDC said candidates must score at least 70 per cent in the CBT to qualify for further consideration, stressing that meeting the threshold would not guarantee a scholarship award.
Those who meet the required score will be further shortlisted for an oral interview. The final selection stage will involve verification of candidates’ university admission status, academic credentials and indigene status through their local government areas and, where applicable, community development committees.
The commission said preference would be given to qualified applicants from oil-producing host communities and local government areas, provided they meet the prescribed cut-off mark and other requirements.
It added that beneficiaries and approved courses would be distributed equitably across the Niger Delta states, subject to the programme’s selection framework.
The NDDC warned applicants against submitting false information or forged documents, saying such conduct would lead to disqualification. It also stressed that the application process was free and advised candidates not to pay individuals or organisations promising to facilitate their selection.
“Applicants should rely only on information published through the official NDDC communication channels,” the commission said, warning against fraudsters offering to secure scholarship awards.
The commission said it would not correspond individually with applicants who were not shortlisted for the CBT, not invited to subsequent stages or unsuccessful in the final selection.
It also stated that deferment of scholarships and changes of institution or course would not be allowed, except where expressly approved under its guidelines. The commission reserved the right to determine the final number and distribution of awards in line with its guidelines and budget.
Applications must be completed and submitted on or before November 8, 2026. The NDDC advised prospective candidates to apply early to avoid last-minute difficulties.
Further enquiries can be directed to the Director of Education, Health and Social Services through 09137806550 or 09049409391, or by email at scholarship@nddc.gov.ng .
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