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PAP Administrator, Dr Denis Otuaro engages Nigerian students in London
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3900 students now benefitting from PAP scholarship, foreign awardees hit 200
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Otuaro urges scholars to be “responsible ambassadors” of Nigeria
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) administrator, Dr Denis Otuaro has expanded its scholarship scheme to accommodate more students across the Niger Delta region, in a renewed effort to strengthen human capital development and deepen access to education for indigent learners.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, on Saturday, following an interactive session in London between the PAP boss and beneficiaries of the scheme studying in various universities across the United Kingdom.
The statement reads partly:“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 knowledge you are receiving in your institutions today is to enable you to 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.”
Dr. Otuaro explained that the expansion was part of deliberate efforts to ensure that more students and communities in the oil-rich region benefit from formal education under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
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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 the number of foreign scholarship awardees increased to about 200.
He attributed the progress recorded under the initiative to the “massive support” of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that both leaders remain deeply committed to the success of the amnesty programme and the education of Niger Delta youths.
Otuaro, who interacted directly with the beneficiaries in London, assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support, while urging the students to study hard and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the country.
He maintained that the ultimate goal of the expanded scholarship initiative was to create a pool of skilled manpower in the Niger Delta capable of driving sustainable growth and development across the region.
Dr. Otuaro reaffirmed that his leadership would continue to prioritise education and empowerment for ex-agitators and youths of the region as a lasting solution to restiveness, poverty, and underdevelopment.
