By Kalada Jumbo, Senior National Correspondent
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has embarked on a crucial Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) mission, closely tracking the academic advancement and well-being of its beneficiaries under the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship program in the United Kingdom.
A high-level delegation led by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, met with scholars at Coventry University and emphasized the significance of monitoring their wellbeing and assessing their performance.
Dr. Ogbuku, accompanied by top NDDC officials including Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ifedayo Abegunde, Dr. George Uzonwanne, and Mr. Davies Okarevu, emphasized the scholars’ role as ambassadors of the Niger Delta region and pledged the Commission’s commitment to addressing their needs.
“We did not send you here to suffer or punish you. We sent you here so that your lives will be better and you can add value to society,” Dr. Ogbuku affirmed, reiterating the Commission’s dedication to the scholars’ success.
He further articulated the NDDC’s ambitious vision, expressing hope that one of the scholars would emerge as the top graduate at Coventry University, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured by the scholarship program.
Highlighting the NDDC’s strategic focus on human capital development, Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the Commission’s intent to bolster investments in education to enhance youth employability.
In addition to Coventry University, the NDDC delegation plans to engage with five other UK universities to secure agreements and partnerships that would facilitate scholars’ access to resources, including accommodation and tuition assistance.
Crucially, Dr. Ogbuku underscored the NDDC’s insistence on scholars returning to Nigeria post-graduation, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to preventing brain drain and promoting local talent retention.
“Our emphasis on value creation ensures that the skills and expertise gained by scholarship recipients will drive lasting progress for the entire Niger Delta region,” Dr. Ogbuku remarked, emphasizing the Commission’s strategic approach to maximizing the impact of its scholarship initiatives.
The NDDC’s proactive engagement with scholars in the UK is being described as exemplifying its dedication to nurturing future leaders and fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta, setting a promising trajectory for the region’s socio-economic advancement.
