The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has officially cancelled its foreign scholarship scheme following widespread public backlash and a recent federal government directive to prioritise domestic educational development.
Last week, the NWDC had announced applications for its 2025/2026 scholarship programme, which offered opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in countries including India, Malaysia, Canada, China, and Indonesia. The programme targeted fields such as Engineering, Medical Sciences, ICT, and Education.
However, the announcement was met with fierce criticism from the public, with many describing the initiative as misaligned with the region’s urgent educational and developmental needs. Critics highlighted the dire state of basic education infrastructure, the high number of out-of-school children, and a pressing need for functional health centres in the region.
One critic, Nafiu Maharazu Tsiga, wrote on Facebook:
“Scholarship is not even the priority of the Northwest. How many thousands of children today lack access to basic education? How many schools are in ruins? Overseas scholarship is not a solution to our problems; it’s a hidden way of siphoning resources.”
Other commentators echoed similar sentiments, accusing politicians of using such schemes to benefit their families and bypass local challenges rather than addressing the root problems.
Amid the uproar, some board members of the NWDC distanced themselves from the scholarship announcement, claiming it was never discussed at any board meeting. A board member cited “external influence” and a lack of due process in rolling out the programme.
The commission’s board chairman, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi, confirmed that the scholarship initiative had not been deliberated upon, describing the announcement as “fake.” He announced a board meeting scheduled to address the issue.
Commission Issues Official Cancellation
On Thursday, the NWDC released an official statement cancelling the foreign scholarship programme, citing alignment with the Federal Government’s directive to focus on strengthening indigenous institutions and promoting local capacity building. This directive was publicly communicated on May 7, 2025, by Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education.
“In line with the Federal Government’s recent directive to prioritise local education in Nigeria, the North West Development Commission (NWDC) announces the cancellation of applications for foreign scholarships,” the statement read.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national educational objectives and promised to unveil new programmes aimed at boosting regional development and human capital within the North-West.
Background on NWDC
The NWDC was established under the National Development Commission Act of 2023 to address economic and infrastructural challenges in the North-West geopolitical zone. Modelled after the NDDC and NEDC, it serves Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states — a region with a population of over 45 million people.
The Commission is temporarily headquartered in Kano, following donations from both the Kano State Government and philanthropist Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.
Governance Structure
Per the NWDC Act of 2024 (as amended), the Managing Director oversees daily operations and implementation of board-approved policies, while the board chairman leads strategic planning, oversight, and public engagement. The board comprises 15 members, including representatives from the seven states and the six geopolitical zones.
The commission’s establishment comes at a time when the region faces acute challenges, including insecurity, widespread poverty, and a deteriorating education system — issues that many believe should be its primary focus.
