Olushola Omogbehin
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for its foreign master’s postgraduate scholarship programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) announced the commencement in a flyer on its X handle on Monday which reads “Applications open on March 23, 2026, and close on April 19, 2026.”
The programme is designed to equip young Nigerians from the region with advanced training and skills to participate effectively in the local content programme and compete globally in their respective fields.
Eligibility Criteria Outlined
Applicants must possess either a first-class or second-class upper division degree from a recognised institution and candidates must not be older than 40 years at the time of application.
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online through the commission’s official website.
Required documents include a recent passport photograph, Local Government Identification letter, postgraduate admission letter from a recognised overseas university, academic certificates, and either a National Youth Service Corps discharge or exemption certificate.
Applicant would receive a registration number upon successful submission and advised candidates to print their acknowledgement slips for reference.
According to the commission, selection process would begin with a preliminary shortlisting based on candidates’ WASSCE or NECO results, undergraduate degree classification, and Local Government identification.
Shortlisted candidates will proceed to a computer-based test to be conducted in Rivers State.
According to the commission, applicants must score at least 70 per cent in the test to move to the next stage.
Successful candidates will then undergo further screening and final verification through their respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees.
The NDDC noted that the scholarship is fully funded and will be awarded based on the prevailing exchange rate of the naira and preference would be given to applicants from oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
The commission also stated that changes in course or institution, as well as deferment of the award, would not be permitted and only shortlisted candidates would be contacted,
The commission however, reserves the right to make the final decision on all selections.
