About 3,000 applicants, who recently sat for a computer-based examination conducted by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), are battling to book the 200 available slots for the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme.

The applicants yesterday underwent an interview organised by the commission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Speaking at the venue of the interview, the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, assured the applicants that the interview would be fair and transparent.

He said the 200 scholars to be selected would act as ambassadors of the commission, adding that the programme was one of the positive narratives shaping the commission.

Audu-Ohwavborua in a statement signed by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, said: “We want to create a solid foundation for our children. We want to send out our best.

“Since 2010, we have trained students in foreign universities. We want to emphasise professionalism and merit and the applicants must come from the Niger Delta area.

“We are sending the scholars out to represent our country. They are going to be our worthy ambassadors. The interview panels were randomly selected to ensure fairness. I have seen positive comments from participants and I am happy about that.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Prof. Chris Wigwe, SAN, who is the Chairman of the interview panel, assured the NDDC that only the best students would be selected. (The Nation)