The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has come under intense criticism following the shocking exclusion of Amos Isajini—a First-Class Law graduate—from its 2025 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship shortlist, sparking outrage across Delta State and beyond.
In a strongly worded statement, the United Nations Youth Association – Nigeria (UNYA-NG), Delta State Chapter, condemned the action as a disgraceful betrayal of merit and transparency. The group described the omission of Mr. Isajini, a brilliant academic product of both the university and Nigerian Law School, as a glaring act of injustice and favouritism.
Isajini, a native of Agbon Kingdom in Kokori, scored an impressive 42 out of 50 in the NDDC interview—one of the highest performances recorded. His nomination was personally backed by Senator Ede Dafinone. Yet, despite his academic brilliance and proven competence, his name was excluded, while reportedly less-qualified candidates secured placements.
"This disgraceful action violates the core purpose of the NDDC scholarship scheme, which is meant to uplift the best and brightest from the Niger Delta—not reward mediocrity and political connections," said Comrade Osioni Obokparo, UNYA-NG Delta Coordinator. “This is a betrayal of the Niger Delta youth. It reeks of nepotism, systemic rot, and outright disrespect for excellence.”
UNYA-NG has now issued a rallying call to the Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, to immediately launch a probe into the scandal. The group is also demanding that the NDDC Managing Director take swift corrective action by reinstating Amos Isajini on the award list.
More than just an isolated case, the organisation warned that the issue speaks to a larger crisis of trust and fairness in Nigeria’s public institutions. “What signal are we sending to poor but brilliant youths if the system continues to reward connection over competence?” Obokparo asked. “This injustice cannot stand.”
UNYA-NG also urged community leaders, civil society groups, and stakeholders across the Urhobo Nation and the Niger Delta to mobilize peacefully but firmly against what it described as "a pattern of deliberate marginalization."
“This is more than one man’s fight—it is a defining test of whether merit still matters in this country,” the statement added. “The poor also deserve a seat at the table of opportunity. We will speak, we will rise, and we will act.”
