New rules are soon to be put in place by the NDDC in its selection of foreign scholarship beneficiaries, the managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku has said.
Ogbuku gave the indication on the sidelines of the graduation of the convocation at the Coventry University, United Kingdom, where 32 of those sponsored by the NDDC finished with distinction.
But an obviously dissatisfied Ogbuku, although excited at the excellent performance of the 32 scholars, believe that if all of them were proficient in the computer application, the number would have been higher.
This informed his decision to rejig the processes for the NDDC scholarship. Henceforth, applicants will need to show proof of their proficiency in computer application.
Addressing the scholars at university, Ogbuku praised them for being good ambassadors of the Niger Delta region, noting that no scholar from the Commission had ever been associated with any vice or misconduct.
He also commended them for their achievements, which he said had brought pride to the NDDC and Niger Deltans, remarking that Niger Delta students studying in the United Kingdom stand out as exceptionally bright.
“This is evident in the honours bestowed upon NDDC Scholars by universities in the United Kingdom. Their notable achievements and exemplary conduct illustrate that we are indeed admirable individuals,” he said.
He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: “It is remarkable that 18 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University last year.”
The NDDC boss stated that the commission was very serious with its human capital development programmes, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.
He said further: “I am thrilled to be in Coventry to celebrate our scholars. Their outstanding performance confirms the transparent process through which the beneficiaries were selected.”
The managing director noted that the visit allowed the NDDC team to discuss collaborative arrangements between the Coventry University and universities in the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku remarked that the scholars who did not make distinctions may have been deficient in computer education, noting that computer illiteracy was a challenge. He said, “The education system in the United Kingdom incorporates technology and employs blended learning techniques, which may be unfamiliar to many Nigerian scholars. Henceforth, applicants seeking the upcoming NDDC foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship award are required to provide proof of their computer proficiency.”
Mr. Royal Nwachukwu, a cybersecurity graduate, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the scholarship programme, which had enhanced their opportunities for employment. He appealed to the commission to continue with the initiative and improve on it to allow more indigenes of the Niger Delta to reap its benefits.
