The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as part of its efforts to transforming and developing the Information Technology sector in Nigeria has awarded for its 2017/2018 scholarship year, 92 scholarships for Masters and Doctorate degrees in relevant areas of ICT and ICT Law.
The scholarship scheme which was launched in 2010 aims at closing the digital divide through human capital development with emphasis on creating and supporting a knowledge-based economy.
Two scholars are selected per state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at Masters Level and one scholar per Geo-Political Zone of the country at Doctorate Level.
The scholarship scheme is highly competitive and candidates are selected based on academic excellence and leadership qualities.
According to the NITDA’s Director of Human Resource and Administration, Dr. Mohammed Idris Yelwa, “this academic year, a total of 5,504 candidates applied out of which 2,188 sat for the computer-based aptitude test.
“The final interview is designed to assess candidates’ academic merit and exceptional character traits that will enable them maintain highest level ethical values, discipline, dedication to studies and be worthy ambassadors of the country – an innovative extension of the selection process introduced by the Director General to enhance the scheme’s credibility.”
While speaking on the scholarship package, Dr Yelwa said, “each scholar studying abroad receives an average package of 17.5 million naira per annum comprising tuition fees, personal allowance to cover accommodation, living expenses and other allowances while in-country scholars receive an average of 3.5 million naira and about 752.5 million naira is spent annually on the scheme.”
It is interesting to know that the NITDA has sponsored 341 Nigerian Graduates in various ICT fields at Masters Level and 42 for Doctorate Level at Universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
Sequel to the completion of studies, a good number of beneficiaries of the Scheme are now in full employment while others have set up viable IT business ventures that are providing employment opportunities as well as developing globally competitive products and services, thereby making valuable contribution to the Nigerian economy.
“We are encouraged by President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to sustainable human capital development for economic recovery and growth as well as the exemplary leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in ensuring that scheme is sustained and entitlements of NITDEF scholars are paid regularly, despite the challenges of recession,” said Yelwa.
