The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to widening access to education for indigent students and communities in the Niger Delta through an expanded scholarship scheme.
Speaking during an interactive session with PAP scholarship beneficiaries in London on Saturday, Otuaro said the decision to broaden the scope of the programme was driven by the need to build a stronger human resource base in the region and offer more opportunities for formal education.
The session, held with students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various universities across the United Kingdom, provided a platform to discuss their welfare and academic challenges with a view to finding lasting solutions.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his media aide, Igoniko Oduma, the administrator revealed that the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year to 3,900 in 2025/2026, with about 200 students currently pursuing studies abroad under the scheme.
According to the statement, Otuaro said, “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.”
The administrator attributed the growth of the programme to the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to him, both leaders have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the initiative, which aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged the students to justify the government’s investment in their education by excelling academically and conducting themselves responsibly as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“The knowledge you are receiving in your institutions today is to enable you to plan for 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 UK,” Otuaro concluded.
