NDDC Opens 2026/2027 Master’s Scholarship Applications, Sets November 8 Deadline
By Passman Akpos
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has invited qualified indigenes of the Niger Delta region to apply for its 2026/2027 Local Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for master’s degree studies at recognised Nigerian universities.
The commission said the programme was designed to promote human capital development by providing opportunities for young people from the region to acquire advanced knowledge, professional competencies and specialised skills needed to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
According to the scholarship announcement, applications must be completed and submitted online through the commission’s official website on or before November 8, 2026.
The programme is also intended to support academic excellence and professional development in disciplines relevant to the development needs of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government’s Local Content Programme.
12 Disciplines Approved for the Scholarship
The NDDC listed 12 approved areas of study for the 2026/2027 scholarship programme.
They include Agricultural Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Humanities, Information Technology, Law, Management and Social Sciences, Medical Sciences, Education, and Biotechnology/Biomedical Science.
The commission said applicants must possess relevant undergraduate qualifications to be considered for master’s degree programmes in the approved disciplines.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must be indigenes of the Niger Delta region and must not be older than 40 years.
Candidates 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 have a minimum of Upper Credit and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), where applicable.
Other requirements include a valid admission letter for a master’s degree programme at a recognised conventional Nigerian university and a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate.
Applicants must also satisfy other eligibility conditions prescribed by the commission.
Preference for Oil-Producing Communities
The NDDC stated that preference would be given to qualified candidates from oil-producing host communities and local government areas, provided they meet the approved cut-off mark and other applicable requirements.
It also said beneficiaries would be selected with consideration for equitable distribution across the Niger Delta states and approved academic disciplines, subject to the commission’s selection framework.
The announcement, however, clarified that submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship award. Only candidates finally approved by the commission will be recognised as beneficiaries.
Candidates Must Score at Least 70% in CBT
The selection process will involve several stages, beginning with online applications and preliminary screening.
During the preliminary screening, applications will be assessed based on applicants’ WASSCE or NECO results, undergraduate academic qualifications, relevant postgraduate qualifications where applicable, valid local government identification, National Identification Number (NIN) slip and other approved eligibility requirements.
Candidates who successfully pass the preliminary screening will be shortlisted for a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
The CBT will be conducted at designated centres in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers states. Applicants are required to select their preferred examination zone during registration.
The commission stated that candidates must score at least 70 per cent in the CBT to qualify for further consideration.
However, meeting the minimum score will not automatically guarantee a scholarship award.
Candidates who meet the required CBT threshold will undergo further shortlisting and may be invited for an oral interview in line with the commission’s approved selection criteria.
The final stage will involve verification of admission status with the relevant universities, academic credentials, supporting documents and applicants’ indigene status through their respective local government areas and, where applicable, Community Development Committees.
Documents Required for Application
The NDDC directed prospective applicants to upload clear copies of the required documents when completing their online applications.
The documents include:
- A recent passport photograph.
- A Local Government Identification Letter.
- A master’s degree admission letter from a recognised conventional Nigerian university.
- Relevant academic certificates and qualifications.
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
- Birth certificate or valid statutory declaration of age.
- Any other documents that may be required by the commission.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all submitted information and documents are accurate, authentic and verifiable.
The commission warned that false declarations, forged documents or misrepresentation would result in disqualification.
Successful applicants will receive a unique registration number after submitting their applications and are advised to print and retain their acknowledgement slips for future reference.
NDDC Warns Against Scholarship Scams
The commission emphasised that the scholarship application process is completely free of charge.
Applicants were warned against making payments to individuals or organisations claiming to facilitate applications, CBT participation, selection or scholarship awards.
The NDDC advised candidates to rely only on information published through its official communication channels and to be cautious of fraudulent individuals promising to secure scholarship opportunities.
It further stated that changes of institution, changes of course and deferment of scholarships would not be permitted, except where expressly approved by the commission in accordance with applicable guidelines.
The NDDC also reserved the right to determine the final number and distribution of scholarship awards in line with its approved guidelines, budget and other relevant considerations.
Application Deadline and Contact Details
Interested and qualified candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid difficulties associated with last-minute submissions.
Application deadline: November 8, 2026.
Official website: www.nddc.gov.ng
Enquiries: Applicants can contact the Director of Education, Health and Social Services through the telephone numbers or email address provided in the official scholarship announcement.
The announcement lists the following contact details:
- Telephone: +234 913 780 6550
- Telephone: +234 904 940 9391
- Email: scholarship@nddc.gov.ng
The scholarship offers eligible Niger Delta indigenes an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education, with the commission stressing that selection will depend on the prescribed screening, examination, interview and verification procedures.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the official NDDC website for the application form and any additional instructions before submitting their applications.
