The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially announced the opening of applications for the Foreign Post-Graduate (Master’s Degree) Scholarships 2026/2027. To further boost Human Resource Development in the Niger Delta region, NDDC seeks to send Post Graduate Scholars abroad for specialised training and skills for effective participation in the local context and engagement of the Federal Government. This scholarship program will enable qualified candidates from the Niger Delta region to acquire specialisation in their fields of study and thus compete globally in various professional disciplines.
About the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
The NDDC is a federal government agency established to boost Human Resource Development in the Niger Delta region. Through its scholarship programs, NDDC enables bright scholars to acquire specialised training and skills for effective participation in the local context and engagement with the Federal Government, ultimately competing globally in various professional disciplines.
NDDC celebrates 25 years of “Making a Difference” in the Niger Delta region, committed to developing human capacity and infrastructure for sustainable regional development.
Available Fields of Study
Applicants with relevant Bachelor’s Degrees from recognised universities may apply in the following priority fields:
1. Agricultural Sciences/Biotechnology
2. Engineering
3. Environmental Sciences
4. Geosciences
5. Computer Technology/Artificial Intelligence
6. Medical Sciences
7. Architecture/Building Technology
8. Law
Note: These fields are prioritised to meet the specific developmental needs of the Niger Delta region.
Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NDDC Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship, candidates MUST meet ALL of the following criteria:
Regional Origin
Requirement: Must hail from the Niger Delta Region. Scholarship is specifically for candidates from the Niger Delta states.
Academic Qualification
Minimum Degree Class: Must have achieved First Class Degree OR Second Class Upper Division
Degree Type: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university
Fields: Relevant Bachelor’s degrees in the 8 priority fields listed above
Note: Second Class Lower Division and below NOT eligible
Age Requirement
Requirement: Must NOT be above 40 years of age.
Method of Application
Prospective and qualified candidates should:
- Visit the NDDC Website: www.nddc.gov.ng
- Access the online application portal
- Submit application ONLINE through the Commission’s website
Required Documents for Application
Applicants are required to submit their applications online through the Commission’s website www.nddc.gov.ng. The following documents/information are required for the application:
- Recent passport photograph
- Local Government Identification Letter
- Post-Graduate Admission Letter from a recognised overseas institution
- Relevant degrees from recognised universities
- NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate
Important: Upon successful completion of the application form, a computer-generated acknowledgement will be sent to candidates. Applicants are advised to print and keep a hard copy of the entire acknowledgement for future reference.
Selection Process
NDDC has established a comprehensive multi-stage selection process to ensure only the most qualified candidates are awarded scholarships:
Stage 1: Initial Application
Interested candidates must submit an online application form through www.nddc.gov.ng before the deadline.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Qualified candidates will be shortlisted based on the following criteria:
- WASSCE/NECO grade
- Undergraduate degree classification (1st Class or Second Class Upper Division)
- Work Experience
Stage 3: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a computer-based test conducted by NDDC consultants in Rivers State.
Stage 4: Minimum Test Score
Requirement: Candidates must achieve a minimum of 70% in the test to proceed to the next stage.
Stage 5: Further Short-listing
Candidates who successfully pass the test will be further shortlisted.
Stage 6: State-Level Screening
At this stage, shortlisted candidates will be invited to defend their candidature before the Local Government Area (LGA) and Community Development Committee (CDC).
The Scholarship Package
The payment of the foreign scholarship shall be based on the prevailing exchange rate of the Naira.
Note: Specific scholarship amounts and coverage details will be communicated to successful candidates.
Communication and Notifications
All shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Important Notice: The Commission (NDDC) will NOT enter into any form of communication with candidates who are not shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Those who are not invited do not need to attend oral interviews.
Preferences: Preferences will be given to candidates from Oil Producing Host/Communities/Local Government Areas as long as candidates meet the approved cut-off mark.
Course Distribution and Beneficiaries
The Commission will ensure a fair spread of courses amongst beneficiaries within each State.
Important: Deferment, Change of Institution or Course are not permitted. The Commission reserves the sole and absolute discretion to award and withdraw the scholarship or vary its terms without consideration. The decision of the Commission in this regard is final.
Contact Information
For further enquiries, please contact:
Directorate: Director, Education, Health and Social Services, NDDC
Mobile: +234(0)9137806550, +234(0)9494949391
Email: [email protected]
Signed: Director, Education, Health and Social Services Management
Critical Important Notes
- Online Application ONLY: Applications MUST be submitted online through www.nddc.gov.ng
- Deadline: April 19, 2026 – NO EXTENSION
- Computer-Based Test: Shortlisted candidates will be required to take part in the Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- 70% Pass Mark: Must achieve a minimum 70% in CBT to proceed
- No Communication: NDDC will NOT contact candidates not shortlisted for CBT
- Oral Interviews: Be aware of oral interviews for candidates who are not successful during oral interviews
- Oil Producing Areas: Preference to candidates from Oil Producing Host/Communities/LGAs (who meet cut-off)
- Fair Spread: Commission ensures a fair spread of courses amongst beneficiaries within each state
- No Deferment: Deferment or Change of Institution/Course NOT permitted
- Commission Discretion: Commission reserves sole discretion to award/withdraw scholarship. The decision is FINAL.
- Print Acknowledgement: Print and keep a hard copy of the computer-generated acknowledgement
- All contacted: All shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Submit application well before the April 19, 2026, deadline
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet ALL requirements (Niger Delta origin, First Class/2nd Class Upper, under 40)
- Prepare Documents: Have all required documents ready before starting the application
- Admission Letter: Secure a Post-Graduate Admission Letter from a recognised overseas institution BEFORE applying
- Relevant Field: Ensure your degree and intended Master’s program align with NDDC priority fields
- LGA Identification: Obtain Local Government Identification Letter
- NYSC Certificate: Have the NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate ready
- Print Acknowledgement: Save and print the computer-generated acknowledgement immediately after submission
- Study for CBT: If shortlisted, prepare thoroughly for the Computer-Based Test
- 70% Target: Aim for well above 70% in CBT to ensure progression
- Monitor Email: Check email regularly for shortlist and CBT notifications
- Valid Contact: Provide an active email and phone number