The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) Scholarship Programme, aimed at strengthening human capital across the Niger Delta.
The scheme, announced on 23 March 2026, is designed to equip young professionals from the region with advanced training and specialist skills for participation in the Federal Government’s local content programme, while improving their competitiveness in global professional fields.
According to the Commission, the scholarship is open to suitably qualified candidates with first degrees from recognised universities in disciplines including agricultural sciences and biotechnology, engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, information technology and artificial intelligence, medical sciences, architecture and building technology, and law.
To be eligible, applicants must be indigenes of the Niger Delta, possess a First Class or Second Class Upper Division degree, and be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
It added that applications are to be submitted online via the Commission’s website www.nddc.gov.ng.
The selection process includes an initial screening based on academic credentials and local government identification, followed by a computer-based test to be conducted in Rivers State.
Candidates are required to score at least 70 per cent in the test to progress to further shortlisting and final verification at local government and community levels.
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Successful applicants will receive funding for overseas postgraduate studies, with scholarship values determined by the prevailing naira exchange rate.
Preference will be given to candidates from oil-producing host communities, provided they meet the approved cut-off mark, and the Commission said it would ensure an equitable spread of courses among beneficiary states.
The application window opened on 23 March 2026 and will close on 19 April 2026.
Applicants must upload required documents, including proof of local government origin, postgraduate admission letters from recognised foreign universities, academic certificates, and NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.
The Commission cautioned that only shortlisted candidates would be contacted and that deferment or changes to institution or course would not be permitted.
It added that all selections would be made strictly in line with its stated criteria.