The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026/2027 Local Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for eligible indigenes of the Niger Delta region seeking to pursue master's degree programmes in Nigeria.
The scholarship programme is designed to promote academic excellence, develop professional skills and provide young people with advanced knowledge to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta and the country.
According to the application notice, interested candidates must complete and submit their applications online on or before November 8, 2026.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must be indigenes of the Niger Delta region and must not be older than 40 years.
Candidates seeking admission into master's degree programmes must possess a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division.
Applicants with a Higher National Diploma (HND) must possess at least an Upper Credit and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), where applicable.
Candidates must also have a valid admission letter for a master's degree programme from a recognised Nigerian university, a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and meet the other requirements prescribed by the Commission.
Approved Courses
The NDDC has listed 12 approved disciplines for the scholarship programme. They include:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Geosciences
- Humanities
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management and Social Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Education
- Biotechnology/Biomedical Science.
Applicants are expected to have relevant undergraduate qualifications for their chosen master's degree programmes.
Documents Required
Interested candidates are required to upload clear copies of the following documents during the application process:
- Recent passport photograph.
- Local Government Identification Letter.
- Master's degree admission letter from a recognised conventional university in Nigeria.
- Relevant academic certificates and qualifications.
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
- Birth certificate, valid statutory age declaration or other acceptable proof of age.
- Any additional document that may be required by the Commission.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all information and documents submitted are accurate and verifiable.
How the Selection Process Will Work
The selection process will begin with online applications, followed by preliminary screening based on approved criteria.
The screening will consider applicants' WASSCE/NECO results, undergraduate academic qualifications, relevant postgraduate qualifications where applicable, Local Government identification and National Identification Number (NIN) slip, among other requirements.
Candidates who pass the preliminary screening will be shortlisted for a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
According to the notice, the CBT will take place at designated centres in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers states. Applicants must indicate their preferred CBT zone on the registration portal.
Candidates must score at least 70 per cent in the CBT to qualify for further consideration. However, meeting the minimum score does not automatically guarantee a scholarship award.
Those who meet the required CBT threshold will be further shortlisted and invited for an oral interview.
The final stage will involve verification of candidates' admission status, academic credentials, state of origin through the relevant Local Government Area and, where applicable, their Community Development Committee.
Important Information for Applicants
The Commission states that preference will be given to qualified candidates from oil-producing host communities and Local Government Areas, provided they meet the prescribed cut-off marks and other eligibility requirements.
It also emphasises that submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship award. Final selection will depend on the Commission's approved guidelines, budget and other applicable considerations.
The application process is free of charge. Applicants are warned against paying individuals or organisations to facilitate their applications, CBT participation or scholarship selection.
Candidates are encouraged to rely on information published through official NDDC channels and to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official NDDC website at www.nddc.gov.ng to access the scholarship information and application process.
For further enquiries, the notice provides the following contact details:
Mobile: +234 913 780 6550; +234 904 940 9391
Email: scholarship@nddc.gov.ng
Application deadline: November 8, 2026.
Eligible graduates across the Niger Delta, including Cross River State, are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and apply if they meet the conditions.
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