By Judith Kwamande, Ebiakpo Obanyedo,
In a major push to support education in oil-producing communities, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has officially launched its 2024/2025 bursary scheme for students in its mandate areas. The application portal opened today, May 8th, and will remain active until May 29th, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission at the launch event, Chief Favour Izoukumor, Executive Director of Social Services, described the scheme as a strategic initiative that goes beyond mere financial aid. “This initiative underscores our collective commitment to education, human capital development and sustainable growth in the oil-bearing communities. It is more than a mere financial aid; it's an investment in human capital, community development and future leadership,” he stated.
Chief Izoukumor emphasized the urgent need to assist students grappling with economic hardship, noting that the bursary is designed to ease financial stress, reduce dropout rates, and foster academic excellence. “The DESOPADEC Bursary serves as a catalyst for hope and community transformation,” he added.
Under the guidance of Board Chairman Chief Barr. John Nani and MD/CEO Chief Festus Ochonogor, the Commission unanimously approved the scheme to offer real relief to indigent students across its mandate areas—which include the Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ika, and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities.
Applicants must be full-time undergraduates in Nigerian universities or polytechnics, currently in 200 level or above, and must not be enrolled in part-time, pre-degree or postgraduate programs. They must also be indigenes of the oil-producing communities.
To apply, students are required to create an account on the official portal (https://www.desopadecbursary.com.ng), complete their personal and institutional details, upload necessary documents (in JPEG format, not exceeding 8MB per file), and submit their application before the May 29 deadline.
Required documents include: Recent passport photograph, Valid student ID card, Official admission letter, Letter of Identification from the relevant ethnic students' union, National Identity Number (NIN) slip, Certificate of Local Government of Origin
The launch ceremony saw representatives of various ethnic student unions in attendance. Comrade Onagba O. Freedom, National President of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, commended DESOPADEC and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for their proactive support for the student community amidst economic challenges.
“We assure you of our continuous support and commitment to adhering to the policies and programs of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” he affirmed.
Also present were Mr. Jude Azosibe Elaye (Head of Social Services), Mrs. Theresa Ogboriaphien (Divisional Head, Youths and Sports), Mr. Ezekiel Ikporikpo, Mr. Monday Itoghen, and aides to Chief Izoukumor, along with student leaders from Ndokwa, Ijaw, Ika, Isoko, and Itsekiri nationalities.
Eligible students are encouraged to visit the DESOPADEC portal and apply promptly to benefit from this opportunity.
