NDDC Screens 6,200 Candidates in CBT for 2026 Foreign Scholarship

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has advanced its 2026 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, conducting a computer-based test (CBT) for 6,200 shortlisted candidates as part of a transparent, technology-driven selection process.

The exercise, held at Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, drew participants from the nine Niger Delta states and marks the second phase of the commission’s screening process.

According to a statement by Dr Patience Ezugu, NDDC’s Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, the scholarship initiative remains a key strategy for boosting human capital development in the region.

“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.

Ezugu noted that the commission aims to equip beneficiaries with globally competitive skills while fostering regional and national 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,” she added, highlighting that many past beneficiaries have returned to support development efforts in the Niger Delta.

She also stressed that the CBT process was highly transparent, with candidates able to view their results immediately after completing the test.

In a related remark, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, Director of Education at the NDDC, said the programme is focused on empowering young people through access to quality education. She pointed to the transparent selection process as a key pillar reinforcing the credibility of the initiative.

Chukwudifu commended the NDDC Board and management for sustaining the scholarship scheme for more than two decades.

Providing further insight, the consultant overseeing the selection process, Mr Godson Ideozu, revealed that over 16,000 applications were initially received, with 6,200 candidates progressing to the CBT stage after preliminary screening.

“The test is conducted over a four-day period, with six to seven sessions daily to accommodate all candidates,” he said.

Ideozu added that results are uploaded instantly to ensure transparency, noting that successful candidates will proceed to the oral interview stage.

He said the technology-driven approach underscores the commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and excellence in selecting beneficiaries.