Young graduates from Nigeria's Niger Delta region have until 19 April 2026 to apply for a fully funded foreign postgraduate scholarship offered by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), covering Master's degree studies at recognised overseas Universities for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Commission opened applications on 23 March 2026, with the programme designed to equip Niger Delta graduates with advanced qualifications to strengthen their contributions to local content development and improve their competitiveness in the global job market.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a first class or second class upper division degree and must not be older than 40 years. Required documents include a passport photograph, a Local Government Identification letter, an admission letter from a recognised overseas University, academic certificates and an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate. All applications must be submitted through the NDDC's official website.
The selection process involves several stages. Applicants will first be screened based on academic qualifications and submitted documents. Those who make the preliminary shortlist will sit a computer based test in Rivers State, with a minimum score of 70% required to proceed. Candidates who pass will then undergo further verification through their respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees before final selection is made.
The scholarship is fully funded, with amounts calculated based on the prevailing naira exchange rate at the time of award. Preference will be given to candidates from the nine oil producing states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. The NDDC has stated that changes of course or institution after selection will not be permitted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted at each stage.
For Niger Delta graduates who have secured overseas University admission but have been held back by funding, the window is narrow, and the requirements are specific. With less than four weeks to the closing date, eligible candidates should begin gathering their documents immediately.
