Why We Expanded The Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Scheme, Says Otuaro

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed his unwavering commitment to that more indigent students and communities in the Niger Delta benefit from the PAP scholarship scheme.

He made this statement while explaining the factors that motivated his decision to expand the scheme, thereby increasing formal education opportunities for underprivileged students and building a substantial manpower base in the region.

Otuaro spoke during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the scholarship initiative, which supports undergraduate and postgraduate programs in universities across the United Kingdom.

This engagement, arranged by the PAP administrator, provided an opportunity for the Office and the scholarship students to discuss their welfare and challenges, with the aim of addressing any issues.

Otuaro noted that while in-country scholarship placements numbered 3,800 for the 2024/2025 academic year, this increased to 3,900 for 2025/2026, with approximately 200 foreign scholarships available.

He attributed the increase in placements to the significant support from President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Otuaro emphasised that he has been greatly encouraged by both the President and the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and expressed his awareness of their approval of the PAP initiatives, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He reiterated his call for students to justify the considerable investment in their education by the Federal Government by studying diligently to achieve good grades.

Additionally, he urged them to conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors of Nigeria while in the U.K., stressing that “you will be adding value to your families and communities when you successfully complete your programs.”

The PAP administrator remarked, “We want the scholarship program to positively impact more students and communities in the Niger Delta. That is why we have expanded it and increased the opportunities for formal education.

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

“Mr. President and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are both very impressed with our efforts. On your behalf, I would like to once again thank His Excellency and the NSA for providing you with this life-changing opportunity. We are confident that Mr. President and the NSA will continue to support us.

“The knowledge you are gaining in your institutions today will empower you to plan for and prepare for the future. The knowledge you acquire cannot be taken from you.

“As PAP scholarship students, we expect responsible and exemplary behavior from you. The government is making a significant investment in your future, and you have the obligation to justify this investment. Be agents of change and avoid any actions of mischief while in the U.K.”