DESOPADEC opens 2026 bursary portal for Delta students

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (Desopadec) inaugurated its 2026 bursary scheme for students in its mandate areas on Tuesday. The Commission announced the launch of its online application portal, accessible at https://apply.desopadecbursary.com.ng. The bursary program was established following discussions between Desopadec and representatives of students from oil-producing ethnic nationalities.

Chief Favour Izuokumor, the Executive Director of Social Services at Desopadec, urged potential applicants to thoroughly understand the requirements before submitting their applications. She emphasized that incomplete documents would adversely affect their eligibility. Additionally, she cautioned against submitting multiple applications, stating that any student found to have done so would be disqualified.

According to Izuokumor, the bursary payments are expected to commence in November, contingent upon the completion of verification processes in October. Moreover, DESOPADEC will initiate its annual skill empowerment program for youths and women across its mandate areas before the year's end.

The Commission's success can be attributed to the approval of the 2026 bursary program by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was praised by Johnson Aweh, the Chairman of Confederal of Delta State Oil Producing Ethnic Nationality Students Union (CODSOPENSU) and representative of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. Aweh also commended DESOPADEC and the Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izuokumor, for their dedication to ensuring the successful implementation of the bursary scheme.

Aweh urged the Commission to consider students from polytechnic and colleges of education in the subsequent bursary payments.