NDDC Postgraduate Scholarship Applications for Niger Delta Indigenes, 2026/2027

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in furtherance of its mandate to promote sustainable human capital development in the Niger Delta Region, hereby invites applications from suitably qualified and interested Niger Delta indigenes for the 2026/2027 Local Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme.

The Programme is designed to provide opportunities for qualified young people from the Niger Delta Region to acquire advanced knowledge, professional competencies and specialised skills required to enhance their contribution to the socio-economic development of the Region and Nigeria at large.

The Scholarship is intended to promote academic excellence and professional development in disciplines relevant to the development needs of the Niger Delta Region and the Federal Government's Local Content Programme.

APPROVED DISCIPLINES

Applications are invited from candidates with relevant undergraduate qualifications for master's degree programmes in the following disciplines:

1. Agricultural Sciences

2. Architecture

3. Engineering

4. Environmental Sciences

5. Geosciences

6. Humanities

7. Information Technology

8. Law

9. Management & Social Sciences

10. Medical Sciences

11. Education

12. Biotechnology/Biomedical Science

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Prospective and qualified applicants should visit the NDDC website: www.nddc.gov.ng

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• Be indigenes of the Niger Delta Region.

• Not be older than forty (40) years of age.

• Possess a relevant Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division.

• Applicants with a Higher National Diploma (HND) must possess a minimum of Upper Credit and a relevant Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD), where applicable.

• Possess a valid admission letter for a Master's Degree programme from a recognised Nigerian university.

• Possess a valid NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate; and

• Satisfy all other requirements prescribed by the Commission.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are required to complete and submit their applications online through the NDDC official website: www.nddc.gov.ng

Applicants are advised to carefully complete the application form and upload all required documents.

Upon successful submission, a unique registration number will be automatically generated. Applicants are advised to print and retain the acknowledgement slip for future reference.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Applicants are required to upload clear copies of the following:

• Recent passport photograph;

• Local Government Identification Letter;

• Master's Degree admission letter from a recognised conventional university in Nigeria;

• Relevant academic certificates/qualifications;

• NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate;

• Birth Certificate/Valid Statutory Age Declaration; and

• Any other document that may be required by the Commission.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Online Application

Interested candidates shall complete and submit their applications through the NDDC online application portal within the stipulated period.

2. Preliminary Screening

Applications shall be screened based on approved criteria, including:

i. WASSCE/NECO results;

ii. Undergraduate academic qualifications;

iii. Relevant postgraduate qualifications, where applicable;

iv. Valid Local Government Identification; and

v. NIN Slip and other approved eligibility requirements.

3. Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Candidates who successfully pass the preliminary screening shall be shortlisted for a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The CBT shall be conducted at designated centres in Akwa Ibom State, Edo State and Rivers State.

Applicants shall be required to indicate their preferred CBT zone on the registration portal.

4. Minimum CBT Score

Candidates must attain a minimum score of 70% in the CBT to qualify for further consideration.

Meeting the minimum CBT score does not constitute an automatic entitlement to a Scholarship award.

5. Further Shortlisting

Candidates who meet the prescribed CBT threshold shall be further shortlisted and invited to participate in an Oral Interview.

The oral interview shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission's approved selection criteria and guidelines.

6. Final Verification

The final stage of the selection process shall involve comprehensive verification of shortlisted candidates, including:

1. Verification of the candidate's student admission and admission status with the respective universities;

2. Verification of submitted academic credentials and other supporting documents;

3. Verification of the candidate's indigene status through the relevant Local Government Area (LGA); and

4. Verification, where applicable, through the relevant Community Development Committee (CDC).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Preference shall be given to qualified candidates from Oil-Producing Host Communities and Local Government Areas, provided such candidates meet the approved cut-off mark and other applicable requirements.

The Commission shall ensure equitable distribution of beneficiaries and approved disciplines across the Niger Delta States, subject to the approved selection framework.

Submission of an application does not constitute an offer of Scholarship. Only candidates finally approved by the Commission shall be regarded as beneficiaries.

Deferment of Scholarship, change of institution and change of course shall not be permitted, except where expressly approved by the Commission in accordance with applicable guidelines.

Applicants must ensure that all information and documents submitted are accurate, authentic and verifiable. False declarations, forged documents or misrepresentation shall result in disqualification.

The Scholarship application process is FREE OF CHARGE. Applicants are strongly advised not to make payments to any individual or organisation in connection with the application, CBT, selection or award process.

Applicants should rely only on information published through the official NDDC communication channels and should beware of fraudulent persons offering to facilitate Scholarship awards.

The Commission will not engage in individual correspondence with candidates who are not shortlisted for the CBT, not invited for subsequent stages, or not successful in the final selection process.

The Commission reserves the sole and absolute discretion to determine the final number and distribution of Scholarship awards in accordance with its approved guidelines, budget and other applicable considerations.

The decision of the Commission regarding the selection of beneficiaries shall be final, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE 8TH NOVEMBER 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid difficulties that may arise from last-minute submissions.

COMPUTER-BASED TEST (CBT) CENTRES

The CBT shall be conducted at designated centres in:

• Akwa Ibom State

• Edo State

• Rivers State

Applicants are required to indicate their preferred CBT zone on the registration portal.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES

For further enquiries, please contact:

Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Mobile: +234(0)9137806550 +234(0)9049409391

E-mail: [email protected]

Signed:

Management.