The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the PAP scholarship scheme to benefit more indigent students and communities in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Otuaro stated this during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship initiative studying in various universities across the United Kingdom. The engagement, organized at his instance, provided a platform for the PAP Office and scholarship students to discuss their welfare, academic challenges, and ways to improve the programme’s impact.
He explained that the expansion of the scholarship initiative was aimed at increasing formal education opportunities for less privileged students and building a strong manpower base in the Niger Delta. According to him, “We want the scholarship programme to impact more students and communities in the Niger Delta. That’s why we have expanded it and increased formal education opportunities.”
Dr. Otuaro revealed that while in-country scholarship deployment stood at 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year, the figure increased to 3,900 in the 2025/2026 session, with foreign scholarships now totaling about 200. He attributed the growth in the number of beneficiaries to the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He said, “I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Mr President and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are very impressed with what we are doing. On your behalf, I would like to, once again, thank His Excellency and the NSA for giving you this life-changing opportunity.”
The PAP Administrator noted that both the President and the NSA have been greatly encouraged by the successes recorded under the programme, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. He added that their continued support had made it possible for more Niger Delta students to benefit from higher education within and outside Nigeria.
Dr. Otuaro urged the students to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education by excelling in their studies and maintaining good conduct while abroad. He said, “We expect responsible and good behaviour from you. Government is investing heavily in you, and you have the obligation to justify the investment. Be agents of change and avoid acts of mischief while in the U.K.”
He further encouraged the students to see education as a vital tool for personal and community development. “The knowledge you are receiving in your institutions today is to enable you plan yourself and prepare for the future. Whatever knowledge you gain cannot be taken from you,” he said.
Dr. Otuaro emphasized that the PAP will continue to work towards expanding the scholarship scheme to reach more beneficiaries, strengthen peace, and promote human capital development across the Niger Delta region.