NDDC scholars protest, block Nigerian embassy in London over unpaid fees

 

Some beneficiaries of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) scholarship scheme have resumed protests in London over the non-payment of their fees and allowances.

 

The protest is the second to be staged by the students in a month who are lamenting the hardship brought upon them by the delay in payment of their dues.

 

They say they have been exposed to various hazards including COVID-19 as they have had to take up jobs in care homes to survive.

 

The scholars, over 30 of them, are part of the 94 students absorbed into the scheme in 2018.

 

They claimed that their funds have not been paid despite being verified twice.

 

Bearing placards, the scholars blocked the entrances to the Nigerian high commission in London and pledged to continue the protest till next week.

 

The interim management of the NDDC, on Friday, assured the beneficiaries of its scholarship programme in the United Kingdom that their outstanding claims will be paid within a week.

 

The commission said, “some unforeseen circumstances, including the upheavals that followed the EndSARS protests by youths, constituted stumbling blocks for the speedy implementation of the payment plan”.

 

In August, President Muhammadu Buhari gave the NDDC one week ultimatum to pay the scholars’ fees.