The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 5,000 applicants from the Niger Delta region as part of its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship program. The test aims to provide opportunities for youths in the region to enhance their education.
Dr. George Uzonwanne, the Director of Education, Health, and Social Services at NDDC, announced the commencement of the CBT at the Information and Communication Technology Centre of the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt. Over 20,000 graduates registered on the Commission’s portal for the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship program, and 5,000 were selected for the test.
The Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship program, initiated in 2010, is designed to produce professionals with technical knowledge and expertise to compete in the oil and gas industry and other sectors. Dr. Uzonwanne emphasized that the program aims to equip young people with training and skills for effective participation in the Federal Government’s local content program and enable them to compete globally in various disciplines.
The scholarship has been a significant initiative, with the NDDC having sponsored 2,708 scholars at both Master’s and Ph.D. levels since its inception in 2010. This year’s edition will be limited to the Master’s Degree category.
Initially focused on disciplines related to the oil and gas industry, the program has expanded to include other areas, considering challenges like climate change and pollution. The Niger Delta region’s potential for tourism is also a new focus to prepare individuals for future industries.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must hail from the Niger Delta region and have achieved a First Class Degree, Second Class Upper, or Lower Division. The scholarship covers various disciplines, including engineering, information technology, medical sciences, law, architecture, and environmental science.
The NDDC Deputy Director of Education, Mrs. Idara Akpabio, highlighted that successful applicants were drawn from all nine Niger Delta states and underwent several test sessions spread over three days. The test is part of NDDC’s commitment to building human capacity in the Niger Delta region, focusing on areas crucial for the region’s future development.
Applicants commended the transparency of the examination process and expressed hope for the opportunity to contribute to the development of their disciplines and the Niger Delta region.
