The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the Niger Delta development, particularly through sustained support for education and human capital development under the PAP.
Otuaro, expressing delight over educational achievements of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, disclosed that in 2025, no fewer than 32 beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship scheme graduated with first-class honours in various competitive disciplines across Nigerian universities, while 134 others recorded second-class upper division.
He described the development as a clear demonstration of the programme’s growing impact in transforming the region through strategic investment in education and skills acquisition.
According to him, the beneficiaries undertook professional and technical courses including law, pharmacy, aeronautical engineering, cybersecurity, electrical and mechanical engineering, software engineering, nursing science, architecture, accounting, criminology and medical-related fields.
Other areas of study included computer science, anatomy, international relations and diplomacy, geography and regional planning, microbiology, public health, information technology, medical laboratory science, estate management and mass communication.
Commending the outstanding academic performances, Otuaro said the results reflect the discipline, commitment and seriousness of purpose of the scholars, as well as the effectiveness of the PAP’s educational framework.
He noted that the achievements align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and further validate the Federal Government’s strategy of using education as a tool for peace-building, stability and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
“The impressive outcomes recorded by our scholars represent a major success story for the programme and a strong justification for continued investment in education as a pathway to regional transformation,” he said.
Otuaro attributed the success to the strong backing of President Tinubu and the supervisory role of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that the support structure has strengthened the delivery of the programme’s mandate.
He added that the scholars have not only justified government investment but have also brought pride to their families, communities and the wider Niger Delta.
The PAP Administrator urged other beneficiaries to emulate the high achievers and sustain a culture of academic excellence across tertiary institutions.
He further noted that beyond education, the Federal Government has continued to demonstrate commitment to the Niger Delta through key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Trans-Niger Delta Highway linking Lagos to Calabar.
According to him, these interventions underscore the administration’s resolve to place the region firmly on the national development agenda.
