By Kelvin Obambon
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has pledged to advocate for increased budgetary allocation to the NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme following the outstanding performance of its 2025 cohort.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2025 batch of scholars at Coventry University on Thursday, July 30, Senator Ekpenyong revealed that out of the 250 beneficiaries sponsored across various international universities, over 40 achieved distinctions while more than 150 graduated with merits.
Describing the outcome as “truly commendable,” the lawmaker noted that the performance reinforces the potential of Nigerian youth when provided with an enabling environment and quality opportunities.
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Addressing doubts regarding the rationale behind foreign academic sponsorships, Senator Ekpenyong emphasized that the benefits extend far beyond classroom instruction.
“Beyond academic excellence, these programmes expose our brightest minds to global best practices, cutting-edge research, and diverse perspectives,” he stated. “They enable our scholars to learn alongside and from their peers across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, building knowledge, networks, and experiences that will ultimately strengthen our institutions and contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
Senator Ekpenyong highlighted that the scholarship scheme reflects a unified commitment between the executive and legislative arms of government – including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate Committee on NDDC, and the Commission’s Board and Management – to eliminate financial barriers to higher education.
He added that the initiative complements ongoing federal education reforms, particularly the enhancement of student funding through the newly enacted Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Act.
Commending the NDDC Education Directorate for its effective implementation of the programme, the Senate Committee Chairman urged the newly minted postgraduates to deploy their expertise toward national development.
“As you celebrate this important milestone, I urge you to bring your knowledge, skills, and experiences back home to help build our nation,” he charged the graduates. “Never forget that you have been given a rare opportunity, and the greatest way to honour it is to pay it forward by creating opportunities for others.”
Senator Ekpenyong was joined at the ceremony by fellow members of the Senate Committee on NDDC, alongside members of the Commission’s Board, Management, and staff.
