We’re Going Through Hell, Risk Withdrawal — Niger Delta Scholars Lament Non-payment Of Fees By Nigerian Government

Nigerian students sponsored abroad in 2018 for further studies by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have again lamented non-payment of their scholarship fees by the Nigerian government.
Speaking with SaharaReporters, the students said they were currently going through hell and at risk of being withdrawn from their respective institutions.




The students said despite sending different letters to President Muhammadu Buhari through the embassies, nothing has been done about the situation.
“Even after sending letters to President Buhari through embassies and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, we did not receive any response,” one of them said.
“The impact of non-payment of tuition fees/upkeeps by NDDC on its 2018 and 2019 PhD scholars overseas has led to; some of its scholars being denied registration for the third and final year of their programme.
“Many of us have been denied access to school’s laboratory facilities which has resulted in paucity in our laboratory works and research for some of the scholars.
“Many of us now squat with some Nigerian and African students abroad because our landlords have driven them out due to defaults in the payment of rent. Many of us now literally hustle or patronise and live on the mercy of food banks houses to survive.
“One of us that were given a notification of deactivation of her student status by her school made calls and also wrote to NDDC about her situation all was to no avail. NDDC did not contact her school nor respond to the letter,” another victim said.
The students wondered if the Nigerian government was waiting for when they would be withdrawn before realising the implications of not paying their tuition and upkeep fees.
“Is it when all the scholars are given withdrawal letter or contact COVID-19 19 NDDC will realise the impact of non-payment of our fees/upkeeps?” one of them queried.
“We know they have been trying by paying the previous tuition fees and upkeeps; however why would they suddenly abandon us on verge of rounding off our programmes? We are pleading with the NDDC to please pay our tuition fees and upkeeps so that we can complete our research programme in due time,” another said.
In 2020, SaharaReporters reported that many scholars abroad were at risk of having their institutions terminate their academic programmes as the NDDC had refused to pay their tuition for about two years.
In August 2020, Buhari had given the NDDC one-week ultimatum to pay the scholars’ fees but the then interim management of the commission refused to issue the payment.
The NDDC had come under backlash on different occasions over its alleged maltreatment of students from the region.
Last month, the Niger Delta Students Union Government staged a protest against the commission amid agitation for the students’ bursary payment and proper funding of the education sector in the region.

(SaharaReporters)

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...