Ribadu tasks 1,700 PAP scholars to strive for excellence

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has called on students benefiting from the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) scholarship to set high academic standards in their respective universities.

Ribadu, represented by his Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Goodluck Ebelo, delivered the message during an orientation program for 1,700 beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic session. The event was held in Warri, Delta State.

He urged the students to maximize the opportunity provided by the scholarship to pursue their education and contribute meaningfully to national development upon graduation.

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“With this scholarship given to you, you have a huge opportunity to excel in your studies,” Ribadu said. “Please, be shining lights in your different institutions of study, and the expectation is that you will be very good students of this country.”

In his keynote address, the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, emphasized that the scholarship program is a crucial step in building human capital in the Niger Delta region. He stated that the initiative aims to provide opportunities for youths, particularly those from underprivileged communities, to fulfill their aspirations for higher education.

A statement issued by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, quoted Otuaro as saying, “By sponsoring you for undergraduate studies, the PAP has taken a bold step to strategically deepen the Niger Delta formal education trajectory of bridging the human capital development gap to foster the region’s socio-economic status. In fact, this is my desire and vision for our people.”

Otuaro assured the beneficiaries that the selection process for the scholarship was open, transparent, and rigorous. He revealed that 1,700 students were selected for the program this academic year and reiterated his commitment to maintaining fairness and high standards.

He encouraged the students to focus on their studies, shun negative influences such as cultism, and uphold the rules of their respective institutions to graduate as individuals worthy of character and learning.

Otuaro also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s pride in the academic achievements of PAP scholars, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He expressed gratitude to the President and the National Security Adviser for their support, which has advanced peace, human capital development, and economic growth in the region under the renewed hope agenda.

Dr. Charles Ariye, the PAP’s Head of Formal Education, also addressed the beneficiaries, describing the scholarship as an investment in their personal and academic growth. He urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to enhance their future prospects.

Goodwill messages were delivered by traditional leaders and community stakeholders, including HRM King S.P. Luke, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and Pastor Reuben Wilson, Founder of the Leadership, Peace, and Cultural Development Initiative. Both leaders advised the scholars to avoid shortcuts and pursue academic success with diligence and integrity.

Some beneficiaries, including Blessing Appollos of Igbinedion University, Fyneman John-Pere of Edwin Clark University, and Ezekiel Appeal of Novena University, expressed their gratitude for the scholarship, noting that it would significantly aid their education and future aspirations.