By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Abuja
ABUJA: In a significant policy shift, the North West Development Commission (NWDC) has announced the cancellation of its 2025/2026 foreign scholarship scheme.
This decision aligns with the Federal Government’s recent directive emphasizing the prioritization of local education to strengthen Nigeria’s educational institutions and promote indigenous capacity building.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the ‘Nigeria First’ policy on May 7, 2025, mandating that government initiatives favor local alternatives when available.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the policy aims to reshape public spending to bolster local industries and encourage economic self-reliance.
The NWDC, in a statement dated May 8, 2025, expressed its commitment to aligning its programs with the Federal Government’s policies. The commission emphasized its dedication to fostering educational opportunities within Nigeria and will provide updates on future initiatives aimed at regional development.
This move has elicited mixed reactions. Some stakeholders applaud the focus on strengthening local institutions, while others express concern over reduced opportunities for international exposure. Education analyst Aisha Bello commented, “While it’s essential to develop our local educational infrastructure, we must also ensure that students have access to diverse learning experiences that global education offers.”
As the NWDC recalibrates its educational support strategies, prospective applicants are advised to stay informed about new opportunities that align with the ‘Nigeria First’ policy.