The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to extending the PAP scholarship scheme to reach more indigent students and communities across the Niger Delta.
Speaking during an interactive session with beneficiaries of the programme in London on Saturday, Otuaro said the expansion was aimed at increasing access to formal education and building a robust manpower base for the region.
According to him, the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year to 3,900 in 2025/2026, while foreign scholarships were increased to about 200. He attributed the development to the strong support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
“Mr. President and the NSA are very impressed with the progress we are making under the PAP. Their encouragement has inspired us to broaden the scope of the scholarship scheme so that more Niger Delta youths can benefit,” Otuaro said.
He urged the students to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education by maintaining good academic performance and conducting themselves responsibly as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“We want the scholarship programme to impact more lives and communities in the Niger Delta. That’s why we expanded it. Take this opportunity seriously so that government will be encouraged to do more,” he added.
Otuaro assured that the PAP would continue to support the welfare of its scholars, emphasizing that education remains a vital tool for empowerment and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
