The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched the Computer Based Test (CBT) for 5,000 candidates in the Niger Delta region as part of its efforts to empower the youths.
The Director of Education, Health and Social Services, NDDC, speaks at the Information and Communication Technology Center of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, where the testing is ongoing.
Dr. George Uzonwanna said over 20,000 graduates have applied for foreign postgraduate scholarship programs on the commission’s portal, of which 5,000 candidates have been shortlisted for testing.
He noted that the fellowship program, launched in 2010, aims to train top professionals with competitive technical knowledge, potential and experience in the oil and gas industry as well as other sectors.
Uzonvanna said: “The scholarship program will be equipped with adequate training and abilities to participate in the federal government for effective participation in the local content program of the federal government, as well as to specialize them in global competitiveness.
“So far, the NDDC has sponsored 2,708 scholars at both Masters and Ph.D. levels since the inception of the programme in 2010. This year’s foreign postgraduate scholarship will be limited to the Master’s Degree category.
The Director noted that the Committee initially focused on topics related to the oil and gas industry. “However, issues related to climate change and pollution, as well as the need to preserve the environment, have led us to add other sectors where we believe there is a sustainable market.
“The Niger Delta has enormous potential for tourism and we want to train people to run these industries,” he said.
Uzonwanne said the development index of any country depends on the level of education of its people, adding that the NDDC is responsible for building human capacity in sectors that hold the key to the future of the Niger Delta region.
Deputy Director of Education NDC M. Idara Akpabio explained that the applicants who passed the computer-based test came from all the nine Niger Delta states and underwent different testing sessions over three days.
He noted that to be eligible for the scholarship, the scholar must be from the Niger Delta region and must have obtained first or second upper or lower division.
She stated that the scholarship programme covered disciplines in engineering; including Biomedical, Software, Marine, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic and Robotic Engineering. “Others are Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Math/Sciences, Medical Sciences, Hospitality Management, Law, Architecture and Environmental Science.”
The Project Consultant, Mr. Godson Ideozu commended the management of the NDDC for sustaining the NDDC postgraduate scholarship scheme and giving hope to the youths of the Niger Delta through the programme.
The Candidate who appeared in computer based NDDC exam Mr. Firima Gbara commended the Commission for giving the youth of the Niger Delta the opportunity to gain a rich global experience through education.
He applauded the committee for giving him the opportunity to participate in the trial and said he hopes to move on to the next stage of the selection process. He confirmed: “The investigation was very transparent. I am selected as a scholarship recipient and would like to return to Nigeria and develop my field.”
