The Niger Delta Development Commission has restated its commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection of beneficiaries for its Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for indigenes of the Niger Delta.

The Managing Director of the commission, Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during an assessment visit to the scholarship interview venue in Port Harcourt.

He said the process was conducted without bias, prejudice, or compromise, adding that the commission remained committed to merit-based selection.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Patience Ezugu, commended the interview panel for conducting a smooth and credible exercise.

He noted that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme had performed excellently, with many graduating with distinctions and no negative reports recorded about them.

The Director of Education, Awele Chukwudifu, said the use of computer-based testing ensured transparency, as candidates could view their scores immediately after the exams.

She added that successful candidates would be encouraged to return home after their studies to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta region.

The Chairman of the interview panel, Beleudanyo Fente, praised the commission for maintaining a fair and efficient selection process.

He said only the best candidates would be selected for the scholarship, stressing that the panel had ensured credibility throughout the exercise.

The scholarship consultant, Godson Ideozu, said the programme had recorded strong participation, with over 12,000 applicants and thousands progressing through the screening stages.

A candidate, Mrs Akindoyeni Oluwabukunmi, also described the process as transparent and appreciated the opportunity provided by the commission.

The NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme was introduced to support human capital development in the Niger Delta through postgraduate studies abroad.