The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to advancing education across the Niger Delta region. Speaking in Port Harcourt while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, and his team on a courtesy visit, Ogbuku described education as a key pillar in the Commission’s development agenda. The meeting, according to a statement by NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, underscored the agency’s tradition of investing in educational infrastructure and scholarship programmes.
Ogbuku hailed the establishment of Wigwe University as a “significant addition” to the region’s academic landscape, describing it as a top-tier institution with world-class facilities. He noted that the university’s vision aligns with NDDC’s mission to uplift the Niger Delta through strategic educational partnerships. “We have consistently supported universities in the region by building hostels, classrooms, providing furniture, computers, and more,” he said. He further disclosed plans to launch a local postgraduate scholarship scheme, assuring that Wigwe University would be among the beneficiary institutions.
“For us, partnering with Wigwe University is a joy because the people who will benefit are largely from this region,” Ogbuku stated. “If our students cannot study abroad, they should still receive the best education here in Nigeria, and Wigwe University stands out in that regard.” He stressed that such collaborations will boost human capital development and create lasting socio-economic benefits for the Niger Delta.
In his remarks, Prof. Al-Akaidi expressed appreciation to the NDDC for its consistent support to educational institutions, noting that Wigwe University shares a common vision of excellence with the Commission. He said the institution aims to rank among the best in Nigeria, Africa, and globally, and sought NDDC’s assistance in critical infrastructure areas, including solar street lighting and water supply. “We also hope Wigwe University can become a preferred destination for beneficiaries of your scholarship scheme,” the Vice Chancellor added.
Al-Akaidi emphasised the importance of the university’s location within the Niger Delta, highlighting how NDDC’s intervention would not only enhance learning but also improve the living standards of the host community. He expressed optimism that the partnership would yield long-term benefits, enabling the university to deliver world-class education and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.
