NDDC Raises Alarm Over Fake Scholarship Scams Targeting Nigerians

By Achimi Muktar

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about a sophisticated scholarship scam targeting hopeful students with fake postgraduate offers, urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

In a statement released by NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, and shared by spokesperson Ms. Thompson-Wakama, the commission confirmed it has uncovered fraudulent emails falsely claiming to be from its “Board Registry.” These messages, sent from nddcregistry@gmail.com, invite recipients to a fake “document verification and authentication exercise” supposedly taking place from May 19 to 21 on Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The attention of the NDDC has been drawn to fraudulent emails and messages sent to applicants of the commission’s postgraduate foreign scholarship programme,” said Thompson-Wakama. “Members of the public are hereby advised that the NDDC has no affiliation with this fraudulent selection process.”

The NDDC stressed that all official communication about its scholarship programs is exclusively handled through its verified portal: www.scholarship.nddc.gov.ng. Any email, message, or call that asks for payment, sensitive personal details, or invites applicants to unofficial locations should be treated as a red flag.

“This is not just a scam, it’s a direct attack on the dreams of hardworking Nigerians,” Thompson-Wakama added, urging recipients of such fake messages to report immediately to law enforcement.

The commission also advised current applicants, past beneficiaries, and the general public to always verify any scholarship-related claims using the official NDDC website at www.nddc.gov.ng.

With cybercriminals becoming more creative in targeting unsuspecting citizens, the NDDC's urgent call is clear: stay alert, trust only official sources, and don’t let scammers hijack your academic future.