The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to widening the reach of the PAP scholarship scheme to benefit more indigent students and communities across the Niger Delta region.
Otuaro gave the assurance during an interactive session with PAP scholarship beneficiaries in London on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, was part of his ongoing engagement with beneficiaries studying abroad.
Speaking at the meeting, Otuaro said the scholarship scheme was being expanded to provide more opportunities for formal education to young people in the region.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic session to 3,900 in 2025/2026, while foreign scholarships now stand at about 200. He attributed the increase to the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Otuaro commended President Tinubu and the NSA for their sustained backing of the PAP initiatives, noting that the scholarship programme aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Mr. President and the NSA are very impressed with what we are doing, and we are confident they will continue to support us,” Otuaro stated.
He charged the students to make the most of the opportunity, urging them to study hard and exhibit good conduct while in the United Kingdom.
“Government is investing heavily in your education. You have the obligation to justify this investment through hard work and good behaviour. Be agents of positive change and avoid acts of mischief,” he advised.
Otuaro also encouraged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and the Niger Delta, stressing that their successful completion of studies would bring pride and value to their families and communities.
The interactive session provided a platform for the PAP boss and the scholars to discuss welfare concerns and challenges with a view to addressing them.
