The Niger Delta Development Commission has opened the window for the 2026/2027 Local Postgraduate Scholarship. This is for students pursuing a masters degree in any conventional university in Nigeria. The scholarship is aimed at indigenes of the Niger Delta states that want to further their education.
Over the years I have seen the NDDC local scholarship transform the life of many in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Warri, Uyo and Calabar. I have also seen qualified candidates miss out because of silly reasons. Failed to include their NYSC discharge certificate, used an expired admission letter or had their birth certificate written with a different surname. This is why I took my time writing this piece.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the NDDC local postgraduate scholarship 2026/2027.
Table of Contents
What Is the NDDC Local Postgraduate Scholarship
The NDDC provides funding to Niger Delta indigenes that want to pursue masters degree. It is one of the many ways the commission is ensuring that we develop human capital in the region. Local means that you have to study in Nigeria. There is another scholarship that allows you to study outside Nigeria.
The reason behind this scholarship is to empower Niger Delta indigenes with the needed knowledge and skills. Our region has so many problems that need solutions. From environmental degradation to lack of infrastructure. We need people that will help us improve our situation. That is why they fund engineering, environmental science, medicine, law and so on.
It also ties in with the federal governments local content policy. Which mandates the oil companies to employ Nigerians. Having a masters degree in engineering or related courses gives you that advantage.
Here is a brief summary of the NDDC local scholarship:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of scholarship | NDDC Local Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027 |
| Organization | Niger Delta Development Commission |
| Course you can study | Masters degree |
| Where you can study | Conventional universities in Nigeria |
| Eligibility | Indigenes of Niger Delta that are less than 40 years old |
| Cost | No cost, totally free |
| Website to apply | www.nddc.gov.ng |
| Last date to apply | 8th November 2026 |
| Stages of selection | Online application, preliminary screening, CBT, oral interview and final verification. |
Which States Are Included in the NDDC
When most people hear Niger Delta they think of Rivers State, Bayelsa State and Delta State. But according to the NDDC act there are 9 states that make up the region.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Abia | Umuahia |
| Akwa Ibom | Uyo |
| Bayelsa | Yenagoa |
| Cross River | Calabar |
| Delta | Asaba |
| Edo | Benin City |
| Imo | Owerri |
| Ondo | Akure |
| Rivers | Port Harcourt |
As long as you are an indigene of any of these states you qualify. Even if you live in a different part of Nigeria. A girl that is from Ondo state but lives in Abuja qualifies. While a guy that lives in Port Harcourt but is from Kano state doesn’t qualify.
They will verify your indigeneship through your local government area. So make sure you have your LGA identification letter ready.
Eligibility Criteria for the NDDC Postgraduate Scholarship
The commission has laid out certain requirements that you have to meet. If you don’t fulfil one of the requirements below your application will be rejected.
Be an Indigene of the Niger Delta Region
You must be an indigene of one of the states mentioned above. They will check this using your local government identification letter. During final verification they might contact your local government area and/or your community development committee.
Do not try to use someone else’s LGA or fake your letter. They will catch you at the verification stage. You will be disqualified and in some cases they may report you to the police.
Be Less Than 40 Years Old
Your age must not exceed 40 years at the time of application. They will check this with your birth certificate or statutory age declaration. Also they may compare your age with the year you wrote WASSCE and your university records.
Say you are from Imo state and you are 40 years old as of March 2026. And you decide to apply for the NDDC scholarship in October 2026. You will not be eligible because you are over 40. But if you are 38 you can apply.
Have a Second Class Lower or Above
You must have at least a second class lower division in your bachelor’s degree. That means you should not have a third class or pass degree. It doesn’t matter if you have an excellent admission letter. You have to meet this requirement.
HND Holders Must Have Upper Credit and PGD
If you have an HND you can apply but you have to meet 2 conditions. First you must have graduated with upper credit. Second you must have a PGD.
You can’t apply if you have lower credit and a PGD. Or if you have upper credit but no PGD.
Have a Valid Masters Admission Letter
You must have an admission letter into a masters course in a recognized university in Nigeria. This scholarship does not get you into school. It pays for your course once you are already admitted.
Make sure your admission letter is for the 2026/2027 session. An expired admission letter won’t work for you.
Have Your NYSC Discharge Certificate or Exemption Certificate
You must have completed your national service and have your discharge certificate. If you were exempted you need your exemption certificate. The NDDC does not accept any other document. So if you have not done your NYSC you can’t apply.
If you were above 30 years when you graduated you would have gotten an exemption certificate. Otherwise you should have your discharge certificate. If you lost yours you will have to go to NYSC to get another one.
Meet Other Requirements Stipulated by the Commission
There may be other requirements that the commission will mention in the call for application. Keep that in mind when applying.
Courses Funded by the NDDC Local Scholarship
Below are the courses that the NDDC funds for their local scholarship. You have to be related to your bachelor’s degree. If you studied history you can’t apply for masters in petroleum engineering.
| Courses | Subjects you can study |
|---|---|
| Agricultural sciences | Agronomy, animal science, soil science, fishery, agricultural economics etc |
| Architecture | Architecture |
| Engineering | Petroleum, civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, marine engineering etc |
| Environmental sciences | Environmental management, pollution etc |
| Geoscience | Geology, geophysics, hydrology etc |
| Humanities | English, history, linguistics, philosophy and religious studies |
| Information technology | Computer science, cyber security, data science etc |
| Law | Law |
| Management and social sciences | Business administration, economics, public administration etc |
| Medical science | Public health, medical microbiology etc |
| Education | Education |
| Biotechnology and biomedical science | Biotechnology and biomedical science |
Choose a course that you will help solve problems in the Niger Delta region. Or any course that ties in with the local content policy.
Documents Required for NDDC Scholarship Application
Here are the documents you need to have before you apply:
- Passport photograph
- Local government identification letter
- Masters degree admission letter from any conventional university in Nigeria
- Your academic qualification. This will include your WASSCE/NECO, bachelor’s degree or HND and PGD (where applicable).
- NYSC discharge certificate or exemption certificate
- Birth certificate or statutory age declaration
- NIN
- Any other document required by the commission
Below is a table that shows where you can get these documents. How long it takes and what you should watch out for.
| Documents | Where to get it | Time it takes | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport photo | Photo studio | Same day | Make sure your background is dark |
| LGA identification letter | Your local government secretariat | 1-4 weeks | Don’t use letters from unauthorized person |
| Admission letter | Your school | Depends on your admission cycle | Ensure it is not expired |
| Degree certificate | Your school | If you have not collected it | Don’t use statement of result |
| Result slip | Your school | 2-8 weeks | Make sure it is scanned properly |
| NYSC discharge/exemption certificate | You should already have it | None | If you lost it you’ll have to go to NYSC |
| Birth certificate | NPC office | 1-4 weeks | Make sure your name is consistent with other documents |
| Statutory age declaration | High court or magistrate court | 1-3 days | Don’t put a date that contradicts your other documents |
| NIN | NIMC center | Same day if you have enrolled | Make sure your name is consistent with other documents |
Most times people fail because their name is not consistent across all their documents. So if your name is written differently on your certificate fix that first.
How to Apply for the NDDC Scholarship 2026/2027
Follow the steps below to apply for the NDDC local postgraduate scholarship:
1. Go to the NDDC Website
Visit www.nddc.gov.ng and click on the scholarship tab. The NDDC will only accept your application through their website.
2. Read Through the Call for Application
Once you are on the page read the entire call for application. Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Also note that the last date to apply is the 8th of November 2026. The CBT will be held in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Rivers state.
3. Register as an Applicant
Create your applicant profile using a valid email address and phone number. The NDDC will send all communications to the email you register with.
4. Fill the Application Form
Fill all the information asked in the application form. Make sure you fill your name correctly just as it is on your certificate. Also select your discipline from the ones available.
5. Select Your CBT Centre
Select the zone that you want to write your CBT. You can choose between Akwa Ibom, Edo or Rivers state.
6. Upload Your Documents
Upload all your documents as requested in the form.
7. Submit Your Application
After filling and uploading all the necessary information submit your application.
8. Print Your Acknowledgement Slip
Print your acknowledgement slip after submitting. You will need this when you go for your CBT and oral interview.
9. Check Your Email
Check your email for updates from the NDDC. When you are shortlisted for the CBT they will send you an invitation.
NDDC Scholarship Selection Process
The NDDC has a process that it follows when selecting beneficiaries for its scholarships. Below is a breakdown of the process.
Online Application
This is where you submit your application on the website before the deadline.
Preliminary Screening
After the deadline they will screen your application. They will check the following:
- WASSCE/NECO
- Undergraduate qualification
- Postgraduate qualification (where applicable)
- Valid local government identification
- NIN
- Others as stipulated by the commission
Your application will be screened based on the criteria above.
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Those that pass the preliminary screening will be invited to sit for a CBT. The CBT will be held in the zones mentioned above.
Score a Minimum of 70%
You must score at least 70% in the CBT to proceed to the next stage. The call for application made it known that if you score 70% you are not guaranteed a scholarship.
Oral Interview
Candidates that cleared the CBT cut off will be interviewed by a panel. They will ask you questions about yourself and why you want to study your course.
Make sure you can answer these questions:
- Why did you choose your course?
- How will your course help the Niger Delta?
- What are the challenges in your community and how can you solve them?
- What do you know about the NDDC?
- What will you do after you graduate?
Final Verification
This is the last stage of the process. They will verify all your information. From your admission status to your indigeneship. If they find anything fishy about you they will disqualify you.
How to Prepare for the NDDC CBT
Since you have to score at least 70% in the CBT you need to prepare. Below are tips that will help you score well.
Areas to Study
Most likely they will test you on English, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and general knowledge. They may also ask questions from your discipline.
Make a Timetable
Study for at least 4 weeks. Set aside 2 hours each day to study. You can study verbal and numerical reasoning. Also learn about the NDDC and the Niger Delta.
| Weeks | What to study |
|---|---|
| First week | Verbal reasoning and comprehension |
| Second week | Numerical reasoning |
| Third week | General knowledge |
| Fourth week | Revise your discipline |
Learn About the NDDC
It’s important that you know about the organization that is paying for your scholarship. Learn about the NDDC and what they do.
Practice CBT Questions
There are lots of past questions available online. Practice with them and set a timer. Don’t spend too much time on one question.
Know Your CBT Centre
Find out where your CBT centre is located. Make sure you travel early enough so you don’t get lost.
What the NDDC Scholarship Covers
The NDDC has not stated what they will cover in the 2026/2027 call for application. But in previous years they have covered tuition and maintenance.
| Coverage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tuition | They will pay your tuition |
| Maintenance | They will give you money to maintain yourself |
| Books | They may provide you with books |
| Length of course | They will pay for the duration of your course |
This is just a rough estimate. The NDDC will decide how much they want to give each student.
Things You Should Know Before Applying for the NDDC Scholarship
There are some things you should keep in mind before you apply for this scholarship.
Host Communities Will Be Given Preference
According to the call for application qualified candidates from oil producing host communities and local government areas will be given preference. But you still have to score the cut off mark to be considered.
So if you are from a host community get your documents ready.
The Scholarship Will Be Shared Amongst All States
The NDDC will distribute the scholarships among all the Niger Delta states. And also across the disciplines. So it doesn’t matter if you are from a state that has many applicants. The NDDC will make sure everyone gets a chance.
Applying Doesn’t Mean You Will Get a Scholarship
Just because you applied doesn’t mean you will get a scholarship. Only those that are shortlisted will be the beneficiary. So don’t quit your job thinking you will get the NDDC scholarship.
You Can’t Defer or Change Course
The NDDC does not allow deferral of scholarship. They also don’t allow you to change course or institution. Unless they approve it. So make sure you are sure about the course you want to study before you apply.
Your Information Has to Be Accurate and Authentic
Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and authentic. The NDDC will not entertain any form of false information. If you lie you will be disqualified.
The Process Is Free
Applying for the NDDC scholarship is free. Do not pay anyone to apply for you. Or to get you into the shortlist.
Only Use Official Channels
Always use the NDDC official channels to get information. There are a lot of fake people out there that want to scam you.
They Won’t Reach Out to You If You Are Not Shortlisted
The NDDC will not communicate with you if you are not shortlisted. So don’t waste your time waiting for them to contact you.
The Decision of the Commission Is Final
The NDDC has the final say on how many people they want to award the scholarship to. So if they decide to award 50 people they will.
How to Avoid Being Scammed by NDDC Scholarship Agents
There are many people that will try to scam you when it comes to scholarships. Below are some of the things they will do.
They Will Create Fake Websites
Some people will create websites that look similar to the NDDC website. They will ask you to apply on their website and pay a fee.
They Will Share Fake Shortlists
Some agents will share fake shortlists on social media. Then they will tell you to pay them to confirm that your name is on the list.
They Will Impersonate the NDDC
Some people will pretend to be NDDC staff. They will call you or message you on WhatsApp telling you that you have been selected. But they will ask you to pay a fee first.
They Will Sell You Past Questions
There are people that sell fake CBT past questions. They will tell you that they have the real past questions and you will definitely pass.
One of my friends was called by a man that said he was an NDDC staff member. He told my friend that he was selected but he needed to pay 40,000 naira to confirm. My friend didn’t pay and blocked the number.
Things You Can Do to Avoid Being Scammed
- Only apply on the official website www.nddc.gov.ng
- Do not pay anyone anything
- Verify any shortlist on the official website
- Do not give out your registration number to anyone
- Be careful of people that call or message you
- Report any suspicious activity to the NDDC
Contact Information
The NDDC provided the following contact information in the call for application.
Director Education, Health and Social Services
Niger Delta Development Commission
Phone: +234 (0) 913 780 6550 / +234 (0) 904 940 9391
Email: scholarship@nddc.gov.ng
Why Your NDDC Scholarship Application Will Be Rejected
Here are some common reasons why most people fail.
No Admission
You applied using just hope and not admission. As stated earlier you will need an admission letter to apply for the NDDC scholarship. Make sure you have been admitted before you fill the form. This will eliminate your chance of getting rejected in the preliminary screening.
Applying for Courses Not Listed
If you have been offered a masters degree in fine arts or theatre arts. You can not use it to apply for the NDDC scholarship. The courses listed above are the only ones you can apply with. Make sure to check what you want to study before you get admission. Maybe there is something similar that you can study from the list.
Using Your Statement Of Result To Apply
Your statement of result can not be used to apply. The commission will need you to provide your certificate. Ensure you collect your certificate before you apply.
No NYSC Certificate
If you failed to do your national youth service or you have lost your certificate. You can not apply. You will be rejected during screening. Ensure you replace your lost certificate.
Different Names On Documents
I have mentioned this already. But you should make sure that your name is the same on all your documents. Even if its slightly different you can get rejected. So correct it before you apply.
Your LGA Letter Is Not Genuine
Make sure you use a genuine letter from your Local Government Area. Letters from unauthorized persons or those you bought from agents will not be accepted. Get your letter from the secretariat.
Submitting On The Last Day
Don’t wait till the last day to submit your application. When many people are trying to upload documents the website becomes slow. Some people wont be able to submit on time. So ensure you submit 2 weeks before 8th November 2026.
Age Above 40
If you are about to turn 40. Make sure you don’t exceed 40 when you are filling the form. You will be rejected.
| Reason For Rejection | Solution |
|---|---|
| No Admission Letter | Get admitted to a conventional University |
| Courses not on the list | Choose a course from the list above |
| No Degree Certificate | Get your certificate before you apply |
| No NYSC Certificate | Replace your certificate or get it before you apply |
| Different Name On Documents | Do an affidavit and publish it in a Newspaper |
| Your LGA Letter is fake | Get your letter from your local Government Secretariat |
| Submitted late | Submit your application before 8th November 2026 |
| Age above 40 | Make sure you are not above 40 when you are filling the form |
Difference Between NDDC Scholarship And Others
You may wonder if you should only apply for NDDC or other scholarship as well. Here is a summary of how they differ. Check each website to know more information.
| Scheme | Eligibility | Course | Location | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDDC Local Postgraduate Scholarship | Indigene of Niger Delta States | Masters Degree | Nigeria | 40 |
| NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship | Indigene of Niger Delta States | Masters Degree and PhD | Abroad | 40 (Mostly) |
| PTDF Local Scholarship | Nigerian Citizens. Focus on Petroleum related field | Masters Degree and PhD | Nigeria | Depends on Scheme |
| PTDF Overseas Scholarship | Nigerian Citizens. Focus on Petroleum related field | Masters Degree and PhD | Abroad | Depends on Scheme |
| Shell Postgraduate Scholarship | Indigene of Niger Delta States | Masters Degree | Abroad | 28-30 (Mostly) |
| NNPC/Chevron JV Scholarship | Nigerian Citizens | Undergraduate (Mostly) | Nigeria | Depends on Scheme |
You can apply for more than one scholarship. Just check if each scheme allows you to hold more than one scholarship at a time.
What to Expect Once You Win The NDDC Scholarship
When you win the scholarship you will receive an award letter from the commission. Present this to your university. You might also be required to sign an undertaking.
Once you have submitted all your documents the commission will begin to pay your tuition. You will be given allowance to help with your studies.
Ensure you enroll for the course you were admitted to. Attend lectures and write exams. You are expected to pass your dissertation within a specified time frame.
The commission also expects you to give back to your community once you graduate. Many scholars have gone to teach and serve our country in different ways.
Tamuno hails from Rivers State. He won the scholarship to study masters degree in environmental management. He went on to learn about how to remedy oil spills. Currently he is the founder of a company that deals with cleaning up oil spills. The NDDC scholarship helped him achieve that.
NDDC Scholarship Checklist
Tick the boxes as you complete each task.
| Tasks | Tick |
|---|---|
| Ensure you are an indigene of one of the Niger Delta States | ☐ |
| Ensure you are not above 40 | ☐ |
| Ensure your degree is not less than Second Class Lower Division | ☐ |
| Ensure you have a masters admission letter | ☐ |
| Get your LGA identification letter | ☐ |
| Get your Degree Certificate and Result | ☐ |
| Have your NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate ready | ☐ |
| Get your Birth Certificate/Age Declaration | ☐ |
| Get your NIN Slip | ☐ |
| Ensure your names are the same on all your documents | ☐ |
| Scan your documents properly | ☐ |
| Fill your application form | ☐ |
| Submit your application before 8th November 2026 | ☐ |
| Save your acknowledgement slip | ☐ |
| Begin studying for the CBT | ☐ |
| Keep checking the website for updates | ☐ |
FAQs
How much does it cost to apply for the NDDC Scholarship?
Its completely free. From the moment you register till you are awarded. Don’t pay anybody.
Can I apply for the NDDC Scholarship if I live in port harcourt but am not from the Niger Delta?
No. You must be an indigene of the Niger Delta States to be eligible for the NDDC Scholarship.
Can I apply if I have Third Class Degree?
No. You must have a Second Class Lower Division degree or higher.
Can I apply if I have HND?
Yes you can. Ensure you have an Upper Credit and Postgraduate Diploma.
Do I need to be admitted before I can apply?
Yes. Make sure you upload your masters admission letter from a conventional University.
Where will I sit the CBT?
The Computer Based Test will be held in Akwa Ibom State, Edo State and Rivers State. You will select which location you would prefer to sit the CBT when you are filling your form.
What score do I need to pass the CBT?
You must score a minimum of 70% to proceed to the next stage. However passing does not mean you will be awarded.
Can I change my course or school after I have been awarded?
No. You will not be allowed to change your school or course without the approval of the commission.
Can I defer the scholarship to the next year?
No. Deferring is not allowed.
Will the Commission inform me if I failed?
No. The Commission does not correspond with candidates who are not shortlisted in any stage of the process.
Does the NDDC Scholarship cover PhD?
No. You can only apply for the NDDC local postgraduate scholarship if you want to study masters degree.
What does it mean by giving preference to host communities?
It means that once the cut off has been met and all requirements are fulfilled. The host communities will be given preference over the others. People from non host communities can also be awarded the scholarship.
Can I apply for the local and foreign scholarship together?
You will have to check with the commission. In past years you can only apply for one scholarship at a time.
Conclusion
Studying a masters degree can be expensive for many Niger Delta indigenes. School fees are becoming high each day. Which makes it hard for most people to further their education. This is where the NDDC local postgraduate scholarship comes in.
Make sure you meet all the requirements before you apply. Apply on [www.nddc.gov.ng](https: //www.nddc.gov.ng) and ensure you submit your application before 8th November 2026.
Score high on your CBT. Aim for more than 70%. Give good answers when you get called for an interview. Don’t lie about anything because the commission will verify your information.
Don’t pay anyone. The NDDC wants nothing from you but your brain. Anyone that tells you to pay them is not from the commission.
