The Federal Government, through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Foreign Master’s Postgraduate Scholarship Programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians from the Niger Delta region.
The Commission announced the commencement of the application process in a flyer shared on its official X handle on Monday, stating that applications opened on March 23, 2026, and will close on April 19, 2026.
According to the NDDC, the programme is designed to provide advanced training and skills that will enable beneficiaries to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s local content development and compete globally in their respective professional fields.
To qualify, applicants must possess a first-class or second-class upper division degree and must not be older than 40 years. Interested candidates are required to submit their applications online through the Commission’s website.
Applicants are also expected to upload relevant documents including a recent passport photograph, a Local Government Identification letter, a postgraduate admission letter from a recognised overseas university, relevant degree certificates, and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate.
Upon successful submission, candidates will receive a registration number and are advised to print the acknowledgement slip for future reference.
The selection process will involve several stages. Initially, candidates will be shortlisted based on their WASSCE/NECO results, undergraduate degree classification, and Local Government identification. Successful applicants will then sit for a computer-based test in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where a minimum score of 70 per cent will be required to advance to the next stage.
Candidates who meet the benchmark will undergo further screening and final verification through their respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees.
The scholarship, which is fully funded at foreign universities, will be calculated based on the prevailing exchange rate of the Naira.
The programme gives priority to candidates from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, including Abia State, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State, Imo State, Ondo State, and Rivers State.
The Commission noted that changes in institution or course deferment will not be allowed, adding that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the computer-based test or subsequent interviews.
It also emphasised that it reserves the right to make the final decision on the selection of beneficiaries.
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