NDDC opens applications for 2026/2027 local Master’s Scholarship – Apply Now

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has invited applications from qualified indigenes of the Niger Delta region for its 2026/2027 Local Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for master’s degree studies in Nigerian universities.

The programme is designed to develop human capital in the region by providing eligible candidates with opportunities to acquire advanced knowledge, professional competencies and specialised skills that can contribute to socio-economic development.

According to the application announcement, the scholarship targets disciplines considered relevant to the development needs of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government’s Local Content Programme.

Interested applicants are expected to satisfy the eligibility requirements, provide the necessary documents and complete the online application before the stipulated deadline.

Approved Disciplines

The scholarship covers master’s degree programmes in the following fields:

1. Agricultural Sciences
2. Architecture
3. Engineering
4. Environmental Sciences
5. Geosciences
6. Humanities
7. Information Technology
8. Law
9. Management and Social Sciences
10. Medical Sciences
11. Education
12. Biotechnology/Biomedical Science

Applicants should ensure that their undergraduate qualifications and proposed master’s degree programmes are relevant to their chosen disciplines.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the NDDC Local Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Indigene status: Applicants must be indigenes of the Niger Delta region.
2. Age limit: Applicants must not be older than 40 years.
3. Bachelor’s degree: Candidates must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, with at least a Second Class Lower Division.
4. HND holders: Applicants with a Higher National Diploma must possess at least an Upper Credit and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), where applicable.
5. Master’s admission: Applicants must have a valid admission letter for a master’s degree programme at a recognised Nigerian university.
6. NYSC: Candidates must possess a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate.
7. Additional conditions: Applicants must satisfy any other requirements prescribed by the Commission.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection, as applicants must also pass the prescribed screening and assessment stages.

How to Apply for the NDDC Scholarship

Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official NDDC website.
2. Locate the announcement and application portal for the 2026/2027 Local Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
3. Read the eligibility conditions and application instructions carefully.
4. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic and other required information.
5. Upload clear copies of all requested supporting documents.
6. Review the information entered to ensure that there are no errors before submitting the application.
7. Submit the application and save the acknowledgement slip containing the unique registration number generated by the system.

Applicants should print or securely retain the acknowledgement slip for future reference.

Important: The general NDDC website is provided above. Applicants should confirm that the dedicated application portal is open and officially authorised before entering personal information.

Documents Required

Applicants are expected to upload clear copies of the following documents:

• Recent passport photograph.
• Local Government identification letter.
• Admission letter for a master’s degree programme at a recognised conventional university in Nigeria.
• Relevant academic certificates and qualifications.
• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
• Birth certificate or valid statutory declaration of age.
• Any other document requested by the Commission.

The preliminary screening may also consider applicants’ WASSCE or NECO results, undergraduate qualifications, relevant postgraduate qualifications where applicable, Local Government identification, National Identification Number (NIN) slip and other approved eligibility criteria.

Applicants should ensure that all documents are authentic, legible and consistent with the information entered on the application form.

NDDC Scholarship Selection Process

The selection process comprises several stages.

1. Online Application

Applicants must complete and submit their forms through the designated NDDC online application portal within the application period.

2. Preliminary Screening

Submitted applications will be assessed against the Commission’s approved eligibility criteria.

The screening may cover academic qualifications, WASSCE or NECO results, Local Government identification, NIN details, relevant postgraduate qualifications and other required documents.

3. Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Candidates who pass the preliminary screening will be shortlisted for a computer-based test.

According to the announcement, the CBT will take place at designated centres in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers states.

Applicants will be required to select their preferred CBT zone on the registration portal.

4. Minimum CBT Score

Candidates must score at least 70 per cent in the CBT to qualify for further consideration.

However, achieving the minimum score does not automatically entitle a candidate to a scholarship award.

5. Oral Interview

Candidates who meet the prescribed CBT threshold may be further shortlisted and invited for an oral interview.

The interview will be conducted in line with the Commission’s approved selection criteria and guidelines.

6. Final Verification

The final stage will involve verification of shortlisted candidates and their supporting documents.

This may include:

• Confirmation of the candidate’s admission and student status with the relevant university.
• Verification of academic certificates and other supporting documents.
• Confirmation of indigene status through the relevant Local Government Area.
• Verification through the relevant Community Development Committee (CDC), where applicable.

Only candidates who successfully complete the required stages and receive final approval from the Commission will qualify as scholarship beneficiaries.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should take note of the following conditions:

• Preference for host communities: Qualified applicants from oil-producing host communities and Local Government Areas will receive preference, provided they meet the applicable cut-off mark and other requirements.
• Equitable distribution: The Commission intends to distribute beneficiaries and approved disciplines across Niger Delta states in accordance with its selection framework.
• No automatic award: Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship.
• No unauthorised changes: Deferment of the scholarship, change of institution and change of course are not permitted unless expressly approved by the Commission under its applicable guidelines.
• Accurate information: False declarations, forged certificates and other forms of misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
• Free application: The application process is free of charge. Applicants should not pay any individual or organisation to facilitate an application, CBT, selection or scholarship award.
• Beware of fraudsters: Applicants should rely on official NDDC communication channels and avoid individuals who claim they can guarantee a scholarship.
• Communication with applicants: The Commission states that it will not engage in individual correspondence with candidates who are not shortlisted for the CBT, are not invited to subsequent stages or are unsuccessful in the final selection.
• Final decision: The Commission reserves the right to determine the number and distribution of awards in line with its approved guidelines, budget and other applicable considerations.

The Commission also states that its decisions on scholarship beneficiaries will be final, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

NDDC Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline stated in the announcement is Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Eligible candidates are advised to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

Contact for Enquiries

Applicants seeking clarification may contact the Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Niger Delta Development Commission, through the details provided in the announcement:

Telephone numbers:

• +234 913 780 6550
• +234 904 940 9391

Email: [email protected]

Before contacting the Commission, applicants should confirm that the contact details appear in the official scholarship announcement.

Final Advice

Candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare their documents in advance and ensure that their master’s degree admission and indigene documentation meet the stated requirements.

Most importantly, the scholarship application is free. Applicants should not pay for application forms, CBT registration or promises of selection.

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