₦airaland Forum

truebenny:
I choose to disagree. I was an MSc scholar and wanted to further (do a PhD), and it was part of the Visa requirements to obtain a letter of consent from the NDDC (due to the clause in the award letter that states I will return after my studies to help develop the Niger Delta).

Hmmm. This uk visa, there is nothing we no go hear.
I didn't have a similar experience. I also know many others that had a smooth extension or reapplication process without any consent letter from NDDC.

Maybe you can clarify some doubts here.
Who advised you to add a consent letter, NDDC, your visa Agent or UKVI?
At what point during the Application Process, was it that your application was rejected? and you were asked to bring this letter or was it that they refuse to accept your application without the letter? Or was this letter submitted as part of your original visa application documents?
Was your PhD on Scholarship as well, irrespective of the scholarship body?

Thermok:
@Nuel, is there any consent form that a scholar must sign as part of the visa process. I was told that the content of the form forces one to come back after studies. Tnx

I think the scholarship specifies that. But if you have other commitments like further study, get married, get a professional job or even something like a post doc, nobody is going to drag you back home.

petertaiwo0:
Fellow Physicist, I have Btech Applied Physics, Msc Atmospheric Physics so I want to do my Phd either in Atmospheric science and air pollution or Phd meteorology. For Nddc since physics is physical science there is no science in Nddc speciality, do you think I should choose geoscience or engineering for the nddc speciality considering the fact that I am not that good in geoscience related question. Thanks I need ur advice and I will like to have your email.

Geoscience will be fine (by geoscience I mean all the geo's directly related to E&P, Geophysics, Geochemistry, petrophysics, geochronology, etc, but not geosciences like geography, geomatics etc.)

TheSociopath:
Thanks sir. Are you also a awardee annd were you sponsored by NDDC for the MSc in Geoscience?

Yes.

TheSociopath:
Thanks. I read maths during my first degree but want to cross to the oil sector at Masters level. Please, will they accept me if I could get an admission? I'm from Ondo state

They don't have to be the same but related. I did physics, then msc geoscience before I did an msc in petroleum engineering. And I am currently doing a PhD in Engineering.

I think maths is related to computer science.
But the best thing is to check the courses that were awarded scholarships this year and look for a course related to mathematics. NDDC won't change the courses for which they award scholarship. Your chances depends on a lot of things. The course relationships, state of origin, performance at CBT and oral interview and all the necessary documents (like admission letter and recommendation letter from your first class traditional ruler, member of National Assembly, local government chairman or high court judge, etc).

mcearnie:
Good day all and congratulations to the latest awardees, I am happy for you all. Also, I must commend your efforts in sharing timely information on this thread.

I missed the application deadline the last time due to late awareness. Right now, I am already preparing to go to USA and my program starts March, 2017. I want to know if it is possible to apply for the scholarship while already a student. Can I apply even though I have started my program and paid for my first academic year?

Thanks and God bless as I await your responses.

You will need to read the rules when the application period starts. I think it's allowed so long as you are still in your first year, but rules can change. It's a definite no no for second and third year.

tjaz:
When you said it wasn't unreal earlier I was alil surprised cos I know a beneficiary last year that got the 500k. Well the 500k is supposed to be for visa processing and flight ticket and has nothing to do with the 30k dollars.

I am a 2014/2015 Scholar that differed till 2015. So by the time last year award was issued, I was already in the UK. So it's possible it took place last year, however, I know it did not happen in 2014, and I know many 2015/2016 scholars that did not even know about the 500k.

geobukky:
My oga, double twale
Its true, and from the context I can tell that its not part of the 30k, I might be wrong tho..

Geobukky I'm happy for you. Plenty congratulations.
Why this people never increase the 30k?

VicWonder:
If that's what they've said this year then I don't see the point comparing it with what was offered last year.

I should have used the word "recent" instead of "current". Thanks for drawing my attention to this.

Hearing the 500,000 NGN is true. Good move by NDDC. However it is not an extra scholarly allowance. It will be taken from the $30,000.
This development just started this year.

Recent (2016/2017) scholars please help me confirm this information. I want responses.

VicWonder:
Please does anyone know if NDDC pays the PhD tuition fees for the three years all at once or is it paid yearly? I have also heard some conflicting information that NDDC pays the $30k to your school and then you can get the balance (i.e. difference between $30k and your actual tuition fee) from your school. Anyway, tomorrow a lot should be clarified and please ask as many questions as you can guys.

It's $30,000 per year for the three years.
If you are doing a PhD you get paid three times once per year. For MSc it's once.

You heard wrongly.

NDDC only pays the tuition to your school.
The balance between the tuition and your $30,000 is paid directly by NDDC to your account.

tjaz:
Thanks for this information. Please could you also comment on the 500k payment?

It's fiction.

Thermok:
@Nuel, I heard you deferred your scholarship. Where there any fears or complications? Thanks

There is no fear whatsoever, just follow the rules and submit all your documents as at when due. Within six months of collecting your letter, make sure you have secured a new admission and other requirements. Fill all the forms you were given at the predepature briefing and complete your documentation with NDDC during this six months period.

NDDC will then give you an updated scholarship letter, stating your new school and course if there are any changes.

Godson of Margeducation will always be available to help. Although he didn't help me, he helped a lot of people and I hope it's still free of charge. Some institutions will be present at the predepature briefing to offer admission to those who need it.

Basically corporate, but you can wear anything so long as it's presentable. I don't think it's a good Idea to over dress (Ladies, you already have the scholarship, no need to impress anyone). Lol.

Thermok:
on dressing code

Basically corporate, but you can wear anything so long as it's presentable. I don't think it's a good Idea to over dress (Ladies, you already have the scholarship, no need to impress anyone). Lol.

yamen21:
Plz a previous scholar shud clarify on the 500k

I am a current scholar and I have not received any 500k infact NDDC did not even ask me for a local (Nigerian) account.

LacyG:
The 500k would be paid into Nigerian account. The delay is the problem.

Are you a previous scholar or is this just mere speculation?

If it's not speculation, is the 500k paid at the beginning or termination of your studies?

Will this 500k be taken from your $30,000 or is it extra scholarly allowance? (like the 10k we get for transportation when we attend interviews and predepature briefings).

It's good we give a breakdown of the scholarships so that prospective applicants for next year award can have a good idea of the scholarship distribution. (Bear in mind that 1 PhD =3 MSc)
State. MSc. PhD.
Abia. 13. 4.
Akwa Ibom. 21. 8.
Bayelsa. 21. 7.
Cross River. 11. 4.
Delta. 22. 8.
Edo. 12. 4.
Imo. 14. 4.
Ondo. 12. 4.
Rivers. 23. 8.
Total. 149. 51.
Grand Total. 200.

This represents a reduction as compared to the past two years. It was 210 in 2014/2015 and 220 in 2015/2016. But it was 200 in 2013/2014.

Considering the prevailing economic circumstances, NDDC should be commended.

I have not received any 500k oh. I pray what you guys heard is true. Please has any previous scholar received 500k?

Tonei:
Thanks @Nuel....Pls does NDDC pay for flight tickets too?

No.
You foot the bills for your visa processing fees and other associated cost
Flight tickets
Living expenses, etc.

The scholarship is wort $30,000
After paying the school fees directly to your school, NDDC will pay the remaining if any directly into your personal account.
Payment usually takes place in the second or third month.

So the smaller your school fees, the larger will be the money contributed by NDDC towards your living expenses, from the $30,000.

Let us pray and hope the money increases to $35000 this year. Lol.

Guys for those of you that have lost their admissions.
you either seek admission that starts in January or April next year, or if that's not possible, differ your current admission until next year. There should be a six months window for you to do this (if the rules have not changed) (Yes, I am speaking from experience). NDDC will understand since it's not your fault.

And with that scholarship letter in your hands, you've gat the power. You can apply to many other schools anywhere in the world. (It might be too late for some schools in Canada and the US).

Essentially you have a six months period to sort what school you will be attending with NDDC and you can resume as late September/October next year, not any latter though. You will get more of this gist at the predepature briefing.

Plenty congratulations.

The list is out.
http://nddc.gov.ng/1Scholarship.pdf
We can all have peace and quietness.
Congrats to all the successful applicants now turned prospective scholars.

The scheme is only your right if it is engraved into NDDC constitution. Those of us that were present at the First ever interview (in 2011) witness the director of education at that time saying the scheme was his initiative (because too many people were running to the commission for sponsorship). NDDC constitution contains something like "human capacity development" however, this does not literally translates into "NDDC overseas postgraduate scholarship". There are over a thousand other ways NDDC can pursue human capacity development with respect to just education.
NDDC should be commended for sustaining the scheme for this long and not condemned. How many times have we seen good things sustained for this long in Nigeria?

Last year, I correctly predicted this current crisis in the award of the scholarship. I am from delta state but schooled in Kano, and the first place I heard about NDDC was from Hausa people in Kano. They don't like the idea. Now you voted in a bigot Hausa/Fulani for president in the name of change and you expect a scheme that solely benefits people of the Niger Delta to go on without any CHANGE (hiccups), I don't think so. Let's be realistic.

I think (I may be wrong) NDDC is on the side of the scholars (including prospective scholars), their decision to initiate the scholarship process despite the hostile and challenging situation in Nigeria shows their conviction in the benefits of the process. It shows they attach great value to the process, believes in the benefits it brings and are not willing to let the process die out. For these reasons I do not support castigation or criticism of NDDC.

I agree that the process should be improved, made more transparent (maybe even do away with the CBT for PhD applicants as its done elsewhere) and expedited as well. But I will advice all future applicants, please seek admission for courses that starts in January or February (it's a very good insurance policy).

Let's not loose track of the matter at hand. The scholarship scheme is not a right and NDDC is not the enemy. Is there anyone that honestly thinks NDDC are not willing to release the list as soon as they can? If the list is not out as quickly as we hope then all the blame might not lie with NDDC.

Now the political me (lol). Let's learn from our mistake in the last election and try to tolerate the devil we know instead of wishing for an angel we don't know.

Usually School Fees and The balance between the school fees and $30,000 are paid at thesame time. I've never heard of any case where they were paid separately.
The school fees is paid directly to the school
The balance is paid directly to the student's account.

The quickest way to get a job in the UK (after getting an NI number, which could take up to two months) is physically going to a recruitment agency. However most of their Jobs are minimum wage (£7.2 per hour) and your 20hr a week restriction not only means a £144 per week income but also implies finding a suitable job (one that offers just 20hr or to be realistic btw 16 and 20hr a week) will be difficult. For taught students, you can work unrestricted during vacation. I hope this info can help any scholar currently stranded.

I will also advice using search words like "Night" "weekend" as jobs during those times pay more than 7.2 and doesn't necessarily take you away from school. Try job sites like "total jobs" "indeed" "cv library" etc, also look for recruitment centres near you.

Dongreat:
My guy. U remembered when I told you that you will be shocked abt the selection criteria. Now what is ur opinion about non corrupt, merit base and sincere NDDC. Well if you can trace bk our conversation then you would hv known b4 today. Congrats to the peeps that receive the text. My two quid advise is to get extra funds for security purpose cos NDDC will surprise you during maintenance payment day. If u take this advice, I promise u dat ur UK landlord will not disturb u.

I'm the wrong person to ask, I'm a scholar from last year.
I don't know anything abt the selection process so I will assume it's fair.
they are not going to send monkeys abroad, therefore everyone that has made a 2:1 is qualified for the Scholarship.
Feeling great or bad depending on whether you got it or didn't is just a fallout of the contest, as we are all qualified for the Scholarship.

csimms7:
My dear you shouldn't have pasted the text they sent you!!! If they don't believe they should walk on their heads. Not getting it doesn't mean peeps should cast different shades of doubt on people who got it.

You get time sha.

there is no need being rude or insensitive just becos someone got an invite. what the guy did was right, he showed that he cares about people feelings, nothing is wrong about that. I beleive in evidence over argument, and peoples explanations have now answered questions I had about Transcript and Academic Reference.

I have independently confirmed that invites have been sent and e-mails will be sent latter today, (something that has to do with sim re-registration).
So Congratulations to all successful scholars.

csimms7:
Baba na long story you write. They've released it. Simple and short and confirmed. I know two friends who got theirs, one on this thread and the other doesn't even know this thread exists baba.

The email you gave me is not working, have mailed it, three times but still get failure notice. I called a staff in NDDC and they gave me thesame mail, so I'm a bit confused. is it possible that they've changed it?

if u give me five minutes, I can also do this.
But more importantly, we now know the venue and people can ask about its reservations tomorrow.
why is 2015 underlined in your text message, what would a text message that long even be sent.
Finally, you already have admission letter which you got using academic reference and Transcript, all you need is the damm scholarship letter to get your visa, so why are you asked to come with them, esp as some reference were submitted online and some schools sent transcripts directly to the foreign University. I went through thesame process last year.

I'm not beefing you, just giving people the courage and hope to wait till Tuesday for confirmation. so I will highlight any hole I see.

I know you people were all nice to each other n exchanged numbers during the interview, which opens up the possibility of this being a scam.
I didn't give anyone my number last year, flew in by 8 had my interview by 10, flew back by 12. So when I saw a message (even though I wasn't expecting one) I knew it was genuine.
With or without this screenshot, let's all wait n see. Tuesday is not far away.

Just seeing this now, read through every post, and still did not find any evedience, just claims and of course emotions, tensions, etc.
I hate to say this, but I don't think it's true - please this is a personal opinion. We should not even have to ask these so called invitees for any details before they give it to us. (so I'm not accepting anyone now).
Pls put your self in peoples shoes, let's assume we have all been waiting, why won't you help put people out of suspense, by giving full details from the onset?
Those that are not part of this, Forget about this scam, sleep well, do your normal activities and wake up on Tuesday, watch the news, in the evening. If there is nothing then your guess is as good as mine, If there is something, come back here to congratulate them. Congratulating people now or giving up now is simply premature.

In the mean time I suggest those that can should contact Godson.

from the first day when someone said within two weeks, then another said before Friday, with briefing on Tuesday, I started suspecting something.
who sent the SMS, where is d venue for the briefing, why on earth do you need Academic reference and Transcript for pre-depature briefing?

Let us move away from that, I don't want any details. Why would NDDC release the scholarship now, when they know that doing so will cause many scholars to pursue panic visas which can ruin their chances of eventually using the Scholarship?
If you had gotten your visa using your own money getting the scholarship letter now or in October makes no difference, so I still dont see any point, besides just a handful of scholars will have October resumption and even for this handful, a minimum balance of some amount they don't know has to have been in the bank for 28 working days.

So even if its ready now (which I seriously doubt) seeing its so late, I think what was done last years should have applied. Third week of October should be the earliest it should have been released, so that people can plan towards January with comfort.

I wish all of you Goodluck, However I also wish its not true, not because I hate my lovely scholars but because I don't want any of you to ruin your chances. However I beleive this is not true. whatever the case might be, I am not God neighter am I qualified to play God, and so it is GOD that knows best, not me.

vechris10:
Wait.... So you'll are still hoping on this even with current cray in d government with probing and all that?

you people had better start crying Jobs, Scholarship, Power, Roads, Rails, Good Health Care, Clean Drinking Water, Better Education, other things that affects the lives of ordinary people.

Arnaal:
I am waiting 4 my ATAS certificate on d 16th of September then I can apply 4 d visa. I am resuming in early October for a PhD.

The processing time is shorter when applying tru Abuja. Good luck.

Cebu:
Hi House:
Prospective beneficiaries of NDDC SCHOLARSHIP should expect to be contacted soonest (2 weeks max)

I seriously doubt it, but let's say they are contacted, the briefing must be no earlier than 2nd week of October, that means na January and or April resumption. Even if it comes today its almost too late, except you've got like N200,000 ready for visa processing n you swing into action right away. However, some already posses visa, so na only them go fit resume now.