The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic session.
The beneficiaries are enrolled in industry-relevant disciplines, including data science, fintech analytics, cybersecurity, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, as well as electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.
PAP disclosed that more foreign postgraduate scholars would be sent to UK universities within the current academic session.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Mr Igoniko Oduma, the programme revealed that in December 2025, nine students who formed the first batch of offshore postgraduate scholars sponsored under the administration of Dr Dennis Otuaro for the 2024-2025 academic year, successfully graduated from their respective programmes in UK universities.
According to the statement, Otuaro has, since assuming office in March 2024, facilitated the deployment of over 9,000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria to pursue various industry-relevant courses.
Speaking at a pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Otuaro said the large-scale deployment was designed to reposition the Niger Delta as a knowledge-driven region.
He explained that his administration had reinvigorated the programme to deliver improved outcomes in line with the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are sending you for postgraduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom. The PAP now has a new momentum and direction following broad reforms undertaken in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.
Otuaro added that the objective of the massive scholarship deployment was to develop the human capital required to transform the Niger Delta and generate sustainable knowledge-based wealth.
“We want to build relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and the country. After graduation, you are expected to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
Represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, the PAP Administrator urged the scholars to pursue academic excellence and justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education.
He warned beneficiaries against taking the opportunity for granted, stressing that the success of the programme depended largely on their commitment and discipline.
Otuaro also commended President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support” for the programme, particularly the approval of an upward review of PAP’s budget from N65 billion to N150 billion. He further expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and oversight of the programme’s initiatives.
The PAP boss cautioned the scholars to abide by the laws of their host country and the regulations of their respective institutions, noting that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta, their communities and families.
The highlight of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to support their academic pursuits.
