Dr. Samuel Ogbuku (middle) with some of the students.
By Maureen Dick
THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has celebrated 32 beneficiaries of its Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme, who graduated with distinctions from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation of NDDC directors to join the students at their graduation ceremony in Coventry.
In the team were the Directors of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, Dr. Angela Awele Chukwudifu, and Deputy Director, Dr. Bomiegha Ehiokioya.
Addressing the scholars at Coventry University, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer praised the scholars 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.
Ogbuku commended the scholars for their achievements, which 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 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.
Nwachukwu assured that the Beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to strive for excellence and enhance the region’s prestige. He also pledged the commitment of the scholars to use their knowledge and skills to serve the people of the Niger Delta region.