The Director General of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has defended the expansion of the Niger Delta Scholarship Scheme, emphasizing its critical role in promoting educational opportunities and youth empowerment in the region.

Speaking during a recent press briefing, Otuaro highlighted that the expansion aims to increase the number of beneficiaries, improve access to tertiary education, and support students from underserved communities across the Niger Delta states.

> “Education is a powerful tool for transforming lives and communities. By expanding the scholarship scheme, we are investing in the future of our youth and ensuring that they have the resources to excel academically and professionally,” Otuaro said.



The initiative, which has been in operation for several years, provides financial assistance to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Nigerian universities and selected institutions abroad. The expansion will see more students receiving full and partial scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, and other academic-related expenses.

Stakeholders and education advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step towards addressing educational inequality in the Niger Delta region. By increasing the reach of the scholarship scheme, the NDDC aims to foster social inclusion, reduce youth unemployment, and promote sustainable development in the area.

Otuaro also urged other organizations and government agencies to collaborate with the NDDC in supporting education and youth development initiatives, noting that partnerships are key to ensuring long-term success and impact.

With this expansion, the Niger Delta Scholarship Scheme is set to empower a new generation of scholars, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute positively to the socio-economic growth of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

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