The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has reassured students of fairness in its 2025 bursary scheme, dismissing rumours of bias against certain universities.
In a statement, the commission explained that the bursary portal was open from May 8 to May 29, 2025, during which over 25,000 students applied. After screening, 8,000 students were shortlisted based purely on merit and eligibility.
DESOPADEC stressed that the selection was not influenced by a student’s institution. “If 1,000 students from one university met the requirements, they were included,” it said.
The 8,000 bursary slots were shared among the six mandate ethnic groups: Urhobo (2,000), Ijaw (1,500), Itsekiri (1,500), and Isoko, Ndokwa, and Ika (1,000 each).
The commission added that most payment issues arose from students who either did not qualify or submitted incorrect bank details. While many have been paid, DESOPADEC promised to resolve outstanding cases and urged applicants to verify names on its website.
