By Elohor Foghola
WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has officially launched the 2024/2025 bursary scheme for undergraduate students from oil-producing communities, reaffirming its commitment to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in the region.
The Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, announced the commencement of the scheme during a press briefing on May 8, 2025, in Asaba. He emphasized that the initiative is not merely financial assistance but a long-term investment in human capital and community transformation.
“This is more than a handout—it is a pathway to future leadership and socio-economic stability. By alleviating financial pressures, we aim to reduce dropout rates and encourage higher enrollment in tertiary institutions,” Chief Izoukumor stated.
The bursary is available to full-time undergraduate students in their second year or above in any accredited university or polytechnic in Nigeria. Applicants must hail from oil-producing communities and belong to one of the following ethnic nationalities: Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ika, Isoko, or Ndokwa.
To apply, students must submit valid supporting documents including a recent passport photograph, school ID card, admission letter, a letter of identification from their ethnic student union, NIN slip, and a certificate of local government origin. All uploads must be in JPEG format and under 5MB in size.
The application portal will remain open from May 8 to May 29, 2025. Applicants must create an account, provide accurate personal, institutional, and bank details, upload all required documents, and confirm their submissions. They are also allowed to save their progress and complete the application at any point within the deadline.
Chief Izoukumor commended the DESOPADEC Chairman, Chief John Nani, and Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogor, for their support in advancing the educational goals of the Commission. He urged eligible students to take full advantage of the opportunity, ensuring that their applications meet all stated requirements.
In reaction, Mr. Freedom Onagba, President of the Confederation of Delta State Ethnic Nationalities Students’ Union (CODSUPENSU), praised DESOPADEC for its sustained commitment to student welfare. “This is a milestone we have long anticipated. On behalf of students across the oil-producing communities, I thank the Commission for this impactful gesture. It shows that the welfare and future of Delta students truly matter to the Board,” he said.
Further inquiries can be directed to the DESOPADEC website or via email at desopadecburs@gmail.com.
