Otuaro explains expansion of presidential amnesty scholarship scheme

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to widening access to quality education for indigent students and communities in the Niger Delta through the PAP Scholarship Scheme.

Speaking during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the scholarship programme studying in various UK universities, Otuaro said the expansion was aimed at building a stronger human capital base in the region and empowering more youths through education.

He noted that the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries under the PAP rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year to 3,900 in the 2025/2026 session, while about 200 students are currently studying abroad under the foreign scholarship component of the scheme.

According to him, the expansion was made possible through the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, under whose supervision the Amnesty Programme operates.

“I’m greatly encouraged by the support of President Tinubu and the NSA, who are both impressed with the direction and success of the PAP initiatives, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Otuaro said.

He urged the students to work hard and justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education, reminding them that their academic success would directly contribute to the development of their families and communities.

“As PAP scholarship students, you must remain responsible ambassadors of Nigeria while in the U.K. Government is investing heavily in you, and you have a duty to justify that investment.

“Be agents of positive change and avoid acts of mischief,” he advised.

Otuaro emphasised that the knowledge and skills the beneficiaries acquire through the scholarship programme would help them plan better for the future and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“Whatever knowledge you gain cannot be taken from you. We want the scholarship programme to impact more students and communities in the Niger Delta, and that’s why we expanded it,” he added.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the NSA for their continued support of the programme, assuring that the PAP would sustain initiatives that promote peace, education, and empowerment in the Niger Delta.

The event also provided an avenue for the PAP Office and the scholarship students to discuss issues relating to their welfare and academic challenges, with the assurance that the administration would continue to address their concerns.