The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially launched the 2025/2026 edition of its Local Postgraduate Master’s Scholarship Program, a golden opportunity for qualified young professionals to access fully funded postgraduate education at Nigerian universities.
This initiative, aimed at building local human capacity, is open to indigenes of the nine oil-producing states in the Niger Delta and covers tuition, stipends, and other study-related expenses.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to apply successfully.
About the NDDC Local Master’s Scholarship
The NDDC Local Postgraduate Scholarship was designed to empower youths from the oil-rich Niger Delta region by providing access to high-quality postgraduate education. The goal is to address human capital development in vital sectors like Engineering, Medicine, Law, Agriculture, and more.
Unlike the NDDC Foreign Scholarship Scheme, this scholarship is strictly for studies within accredited Nigerian universities, making it more accessible to many students.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the NDDC Master’s Scholarship 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be an indigene of the Niger Delta region, specifically from:
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Akwa Ibom
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Bayelsa
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Cross River
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Delta
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Edo
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Rivers
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Have a relevant Bachelor’s degree with:
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First Class
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Second Class Upper Division
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Or Second Class Lower Division with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
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Possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
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Have secured admission into a Nigerian university for a Master’s programme in an approved field of study
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Be under 40 years of age
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship is open to a wide range of disciplines that are critical to regional and national development. These include:
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Engineering and Technology
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Environmental Sciences
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Geosciences
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Medical and Health Sciences
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Law
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Information Technology
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Management Sciences
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Agricultural Sciences
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Social Sciences
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Humanities
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Architecture
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and other related courses
How to Apply for the NDDC Scholarship 2025/2026
Interested and qualified candidates must apply online through the official NDDC scholarship application portal.
Application Portal:
https://scholarship.nddc.gov.ng
Application Deadline:
20th July 2025
Required Documents
Before applying, make sure you have scanned and ready the following documents:
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Recent passport photograph
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Local Government Identification Letter
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Birth certificate or age declaration
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NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
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Degree certificate or statement of result
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Postgraduate admission letter from a recognized Nigerian university
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WAEC/NECO certificate
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Certificate of origin
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Optional: Letter of good conduct from a reputable person or community leader
Selection Process
The NDDC ensures a competitive and transparent selection process. Here’s what to expect:
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Online Application Review: All applications are screened for completeness and eligibility.
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Computer-Based Test (CBT): Shortlisted candidates will be invited to write a CBT exam. A minimum score of 70% is typically required.
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Oral Interview: Candidates who pass the CBT will be interviewed for final selection.
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Verification: Final checks will be carried out to verify the authenticity of documents.
Scholarship Benefits
Winners of the NDDC scholarship receive:
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Full tuition fees paid directly to the university
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Monthly living stipends
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Book and study material allowances
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Accommodation support (where applicable)
This comprehensive package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic pursuit without financial stress.
Important Notes
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You must not change your course or institution after being awarded the scholarship.
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Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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⚠️ Avoid fraudulent portals and only apply through the official NDDC scholarship website.
✍️ Final Thoughts
The NDDC Local Master’s Scholarship 2025/2026 is a powerful opportunity for young professionals from the Niger Delta to gain quality postgraduate education and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about furthering your education, don’t miss this chance. Start your application today!