The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) triumphantly awards 189 promising scholars with coveted Foreign Postgraduate Scholarships, heralding a transformative era for education in the Niger Delta.
At a glittering pre-departure and award ceremony in Port Harcourt on Friday, the NDDC governing body chairman, Chiedu Ebie, personally handed out award letters to the elated recipients.
This milestone event underscores the NDDC’s commitment to human capital development and marks a significant stride in uplifting the educational landscape in the region.
Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the NDDC governing body, commended the grit and determination displayed by the successful candidates.
Describing the scholarship program as a linchpin in the commission’s human capital development, he emphasized its role in reshaping the fortunes of the Niger Delta through education. Ebie urged the beneficiaries to maximize this opportunity, acknowledging the pivotal role education plays in catalyzing positive change.
Highlighting the transparency of the selection process, NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku revealed that the 189 scholars emerged from a pool of over 25,000 applicants.
An arduous electronic process ensured the selection of the most deserving candidates, setting the stage for a new generation of leaders to emerge from the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku assured the scholars that their academic pursuits would be fully supported, emphasizing that funds for tuition and accommodation would be promptly provided.
He challenged the recipients to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, setting high standards and becoming exemplary ambassadors for Nigeria on the global stage. Notably, those achieving distinction in their Master’s programs will be granted automatic scholarships to pursue a Ph.D., further enhancing the potential for long-term impact.
George Uzonwanne, NDDC’s Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, proudly announced Miss Omogbemi Olayemi from Ilaje in Ondo state as the top-performing candidate for the 2023/2024 NDDC foreign scholarship.
This recognition not only celebrates academic prowess but also underscores the scholarship program’s success in nurturing and highlighting exceptional talents within the Niger Delta.
Initiated in 2010, the NDDC’s foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme has been a beacon of hope for the region’s youth, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful contributions to societal progress.
As the latest cohort steps into this transformative journey, the program stands as a testament to the abundant talent and intelligence flourishing within the Niger Delta.
In conclusion, the NDDC’s commitment to fostering education and nurturing future leaders through these foreign scholarships marks a resounding triumph for the Niger Delta, paving the way for a brighter and more empowered tomorrow.
