Project New Nigeria Expands Education Support in Bayelsa: Scholarships, Digital Tools, and Civic Empowerment for Niger Delta Youth
Project New Nigeria has extended its transformative student support programme to Niger Delta University (NDU), awarding scholarships and digital devices to students as part of a broader, strategic effort to improve access to education and foster civic participation in the Niger Delta region. This initiative addresses critical barriers to higher education—financial constraints and the digital divide—while simultaneously empowering young people to become active, informed citizens.
Event Details and Strategic Partnerships
The initiative, founded by Samuel Kaley Nzidee, held the landmark event on April 22, 2026, at the New Site Multipurpose Hall of Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State. The programme was organized in partnership with the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment and Sensitisation on Civic Responsibility and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). This collaboration underscores a multi-stakeholder approach, combining grassroots advocacy with regional development funding to maximize impact.
Scholarships and Digital Access: A Dual-Pronged Approach
At the programme, 300 scholarships were awarded to students, including one special scholarship for exceptional need or merit. In addition, 15 iPads were distributed to selected beneficiaries to support their academic work and improve access to digital learning tools. This dual focus is critical: while scholarships alleviate immediate financial burdens, digital devices bridge the technological gap that often hinders students in resource-limited settings from accessing online research, e-books, and collaborative platforms.
For context, the digital divide in Nigeria’s higher education system is stark. According to a 2023 report by the National Universities Commission, fewer than 40% of students in public universities have consistent access to personal digital devices for learning. By providing iPads, Project New Nigeria directly addresses this inequity, enabling students to participate fully in modern, technology-driven education.
Expanding Reach: From Port Harcourt to Bayelsa
The intervention follows a similar programme carried out by Project New Nigeria at the University of Port Harcourt in 2025, where students also received tuition support and devices. With the latest exercise, the initiative has now supported more than 400 students across two universities. This expansion demonstrates a scalable model that can be replicated in other institutions across the Niger Delta and beyond.
Institutional and Student Leadership Endorsement
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tonbrapagha Kingdom, welcomed participants and acknowledged the role of the NDDC in supporting both the institution and the wider region. He also noted the commission’s contribution to the construction of a new hostel at the university, highlighting how infrastructure development complements student support programmes.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Comrade David-Patrick Dauduokumor, said: “This programme will provide relief and renewed hope for students facing financial and academic challenges. We commend the organisers and the NDDC for selecting NDU as host.” His remarks reflect the tangible relief such initiatives bring to students who often juggle tuition fees with basic living expenses.
Civic Education: Building Informed Citizens
The programme also included dedicated sessions on civic education, with emphasis on voter registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, and the role of young people in democratic processes. This component is vital in a region where youth voter turnout has historically been low. By integrating civic engagement with academic support, Project New Nigeria ensures that beneficiaries are not only educated but also empowered to shape their governance.
Entertainer Sabinus joined the event, lending his voice to discussions on youth participation in governance. His presence helped draw attention to the importance of civic responsibility among young audiences, using popular culture as a vehicle for social change.
Founder’s Vision: Investment, Not Charity
Addressing participants, Nzidee said: “This is not charity, this is investment. Every student who receives support today is a future leader, entrepreneur, or public servant who will give back to this nation. We are here because we believe in Nigeria, and we believe in its youth.” This framing reframes the programme as a long-term investment in human capital, with expected returns in the form of skilled professionals, innovators, and engaged citizens.
Beneficiary Testimonials and Call for Expansion
Beneficiaries, including Josiah Prosper of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Layefa Tare of the Department of Human Anatomy, expressed appreciation and called for the programme to reach more institutions. Their voices underscore the demand for such interventions and the potential for replication across Nigeria’s 200+ public universities.
Future Outlook
Project New Nigeria says it remains focused on building long-term support systems for students through education funding, digital access, and civic engagement initiatives across Nigeria. With a proven model and growing partnerships, the initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of educational empowerment in the Niger Delta and beyond.
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