NDDC launches tracking system for foreign scholarship students

The Niger Delta Development Commission has announced plans to remodel its foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme to include a tracking system aimed at monitoring the progress of its scholars after graduation.

This was disclosed in a statement by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, on Friday.

According to the statement, the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, while addressing over 200 scholars studying at various universities in the United Kingdom, particularly at Coventry University, stated that the new tracking system would enhance existing scholarship program.

Ogbuku explained that the system would create a comprehensive database of the over 2,900 scholars who had benefited from the scheme since its inception 14 years ago.

He said it would help assess the scheme’s impact on the development of human capacity in the region, and provide valuable insights for post-scholarship interventions.

“The tracking system is part of our innovative approach to align the scheme with the technological needs of the Niger Delta. Another key change is the focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine) courses,” he stated.

In his remarks, the NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, revealed that out of 56,000 applicants for the 2024/2025 programme, only 200 were selected through a “transparent” electronic examination process.

Speaking on behalf of the scholars, Blessing Menim, a beneficiary, described the scheme as a success story, expressing gratitude to the NDDC for promptly paying fees and allowances.