The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has officially opened its 2025/2026 Bursary Application Portal for eligible students from oil-producing communities across the state.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Warri, following a meeting with the leadership of the Confederation of Students of Oil Producing Areas (CSOPA).

Speaking with student representatives, the Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor, said the initiative reflects DESOPADEC's continued commitment to education and student welfare.

"This administration places a premium on the education of our youths," Chief Izoukumor stated, adding that; "DESOPADEC will continue to prioritise initiatives that ease the financial burden on students and ensure that no deserving child is left behind."

He also noted that the programme aligns with the educational policies of the State Government and is designed to strengthen human capital development in oil-producing communities.

According to the ED of DESOPADEC, the portal will be opened from the 1st of September and close on the 21st of September, adding that the scheme is only open for University students from 200 level and above.

“The scheme is strictly for University students both those in Nigeria and abroad and students in Polytechnic, Colleges of Education and monotheistic are not eligible to apply,” he said.

Disclosing information on the post-application process, Chief Izoukumor disclosed that a three-week verification and sorting phase will follow the closure of the portal and payment to successful applicants is expected to commence by the first week of November 2025.

"We are not just giving out money; we are investing in the future of Delta State," he asserted, noting that every student who benefits from this scheme is a potential leader, entrepreneur, or professional who will contribute to the development of their communities.

He further emphasised the importance of adhering to the guidelines, warning that incomplete or falsified documents would lead to automatic disqualification.

"The verification process will be thorough. Students must ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and authentic," he cautioned.

Chief Izoukumor commended the Delta State Governor for his unwavering support, describing the bursary scheme as a testament to the administration's dedication to youth empowerment.

He charged the student leaders to encourage mass registration among their members, describing the bursary as a lifeline for many struggling undergraduates.

"I urge you to go back to your various institutions and campuses and spread the word," he told the student representatives, stressing that “ ”this opportunity is for your benefit, and we want as many eligible students as possible to take advantage of it."

In his remarks, the President of the Confederation of Students of Oil Producing Areas, Comrade Johnson Aweh, expressed appreciation to DESOPADEC for the initiative.

"This bursary scheme has been a source of hope for many of our members over the years," Comrade Aweh said, stressing that the that they will mobilise their members to register in large numbers.

Chief Izoukumor reiterated that the scheme remains a critical part of DESOPADEC’s mandate to invest in the future of Delta State through education, community development, and youth empowerment.

"This is more than a bursary; it is a statement of hope and a commitment to a brighter future for our oil-producing communities," Chief Izoukumor concluded.

Below is the link: https://apply.desopadecbursary.com.ng/