Why we’re expanding PAP scholarships to more Niger Delta students – Otuaro

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to extending the PAP scholarship scheme to reach more underprivileged students and communities across the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the rationale behind the expansion, Otuaro said the initiative was aimed at broadening access to formal education for disadvantaged students and strengthening the region’s human capital base.

A statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Amnesty boss, noted that Otuaro made the remarks during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme currently pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

The meeting, initiated by the PAP Administrator, served as a platform to discuss the students’ welfare and challenges with a view to finding lasting solutions.

Otuaro disclosed that the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year to 3,900 in the 2025/2026 session, while about 200 students were studying abroad under the scheme.

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He attributed the expansion to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to him, the encouragement from both the President and the NSA has been instrumental in advancing the PAP initiatives in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Otuaro urged the students to make the most of the opportunity by excelling academically and conducting themselves responsibly as representatives of Nigeria.

He stated: “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.

“We want you to take this opportunity very seriously so that the government, too, will be encouraged. I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“Mr President and the National Security Adviser (NSA), 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. We are confident that Mr President and the NSA will continue to support us.”

The PAP Administrator further advised the scholars to remain focused on their studies, adding: “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.

“So as PAP scholarship students, 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.”