DESOPADEC Launches 2024/ 2025 Bursary Scheme For Students In Mandate Areas

By Judith Ebitimi kwamande, Ebiakpo O Obanyedo

The Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, on Thursday launched the official portal for 2024/2025 students’ bursary scheme to enable indigent students across her mandate areas to apply, beginning from 8th to 29th of May, 2025.

The Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor who launched the 2024/2025 bursary scheme on behalf of the Commission stated that, “This initiative of the Board 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.”

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Chief Izoukumor noted that the need to support the student community cannot be over emphasized, recognizing the financial challenges many students and parents go through in the face of daunting economic challenges in our nation. Hence, the Board ably led by Chief Barr. John Nani and MD/CEO Chief Festus Ochonogor unanimously agreed to embark on this program to bring succor to our people.

Chief Izoukumor further stated that the DESOPADEC Bursary scheme serves as a catalyst for hope, academic excellence and community transformation, stating therefore that “The 2024/2025 DESOPADEC Bursary is a stimulus to advancing educational excellence and encouraging higher enrollment in tertiary institutions, reducing dropout rates amongst students and enabling students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress. It is on this note that the Commission has graciously asked all students to apply within the stipulated time frame.”

The portal will be opened from May 8 to May 29, 2025 for applicants who must be indigenes of the oil producing communities/areas of Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ika and Ndokwa nationalities; Full time undergraduates in any Nigerian University or Polytechnic; Be in 200 level or above at the time of application and Not a part time, Pre- degree or postgraduate student.

Required Documents to be uploaded in JPEG format and which should not be more than 8MB per file include Recent passport photograph; Valid student ID card; Official admission letter; Letter of Identification from oil Producing Nationalities Students Union; NIN slip (National identity Number) and Certificate of local government of origin.

To apply, all students must create an account on the DESOPADEC Bursary portal; Enter personal details; Provide institution and bank details for disbursement; Upload required documents (JPEG only); Save progress and return later if need be and Review all information before final submission.

Reiterating DESOPADEC ‘s commitment to fostering educational growth and sustainable development in Delta State, Chief Izoukumor urged all eligible students to apply promptly and ensure their submission meets the specific requirements and enjoined all applicants to visit DESOPADEC website or contact Social Services Directorate at https://Www.desopadecbursary.com.ng

Speaking at the event, the National President of Urhobo ethnic nationality, Comrade Onagba O. Freedom along side Presidents of ethnic nationalities in the Commission’s mandate areas who were on ground to witness the official launch, thanked the Board and State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for the gesture of giving the students’ community a leap in their educational pursuit in the face of dwindling economic resources in the State.

“We assure you of our continuous support and commitment to adhering to policies and programs of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

Present at the official launch were the Head of Department, Social Services, Mr. Jude Azosibe Elaye; Mrs. Theresa Ogboriaphien, Divisional Head, Youths and Sports; Mr. Ezekiel Ikporikpo and
Mr. Monday Itoghen of the Social Services Directorate of the Commission and aides of the Executive Director, Social Services.

Also in attendance were Comrade Emmanuel Ifeanyi Chukwuji, Ndokwa; Comrade Aweh Nanasentei Johnson Ijaw; Ifeanyi Godsent Ebubechukwu Ika; Efedhoma Shelly, Isoko and Eyitweremi Amajuoritse, Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.