A total of 32 Nigerian students, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have graduated with distinction from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
These outstanding results came through the NDDC Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, which aims to empower young talents from the oil-rich region.
The graduation ceremony took place last Thursday at the Coventry University campus.
Leading the Nigerian delegation was the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who praised the scholars for making the region proud.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the achievement as a big win not just for the NDDC, but also for the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
“These scholars are excellent ambassadors of the Niger Delta. None of them has ever been linked to misconduct. That speaks volumes about their discipline and integrity,” Ogbuku said.
He pointed out that in 2024, 18 NDDC-sponsored students also graduated with distinction from the same university.
This consistency, according to him, reflects the NDDC’s serious commitment to human capital development.
Ogbuku stressed that education remains the strongest tool for changing the region’s fortunes. “That’s why I’m proud to witness these outstanding performances.
It shows that our selection process is transparent and based purely on merit,” he added.
However, he also addressed a key challenge. Some students struggled academically due to poor computer skills.
He said many Nigerian students are unfamiliar with the UK’s technology-driven learning system.
Going forward, applicants for the NDDC foreign scholarship must now prove computer proficiency before being selected.
According to Ogbuku, this step is essential for ensuring every scholar can fully adapt abroad.
Meanwhile, the visit also opened doors for partnership talks between Coventry University and universities in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said these potential collaborations could enhance education standards back home.
The NDDC’s consistent academic milestones continue to set the bar higher proof that investing in education pays off, especially when guided by transparency and excellence.
