The Niger Delta Development Commission has conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 6,200 shortlisted candidates under its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
The examination, held at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, marks the second phase of the 2026 scholarship exercise.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Patience Ezugu, said the programme is aimed at strengthening human capital development across the Niger Delta.
“This programme is designed to invest in human capital development, which remains a priority for the present administration of the NDDC. We want to build a region where our people are equipped to compete globally,” she said.
Ezugu noted that the initiative, which began in 2010, has sponsored numerous scholars to reputable foreign universities, many of whom have returned to contribute to the development of the region.
She added that the CBT process is transparent, with candidates able to view their scores immediately after completing the test to determine qualification for the next stage.
Also speaking, the Director of Education, Awele Chukwudifu, said the programme is designed to empower youths in the Niger Delta through access to quality education.
She commended the NDDC board and management for sustaining the initiative, noting its impact in producing strong academic outcomes over the years.
“One of the strengths of this process is its transparency. As soon as a candidate completes the test, the result appears, reinforcing the credibility of the exercise,” she said.
Some candidates also praised the process, describing it as fair and transparent.
A participant, Victor Diekedie, said the application and examination stages were free and credible, while another candidate, Ndukwe Esther, described the initiative as a laudable effort aimed at empowering youths in the region.
Providing further details, the consultant overseeing the process, Godson Ideozu, disclosed that over 16,000 candidates applied for the scholarship, out of which 6,200 were shortlisted for the CBT.
He explained that the test was conducted over four days, with multiple sessions daily to accommodate candidates from across the region.
Ideozu added that results are uploaded instantly after each test, allowing successful candidates to proceed to the oral interview stage.
He noted that the technology-driven process reflects the Commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability and excellence in selecting beneficiaries.
