PAP sends 150 Niger Delta scholars to UK
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed 150 Niger Delta youths for postgraduate studies in universities across the United Kingdom, with its Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, urging the region’s voters to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Otuaro said the call was a way of acknowledging Tinubu’s commitment to peace, security and human-capital development in the Niger Delta.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed 150 Niger Delta youths for postgraduate studies in universities across the United Kingdom, with its Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, urging the region’s voters to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Otuaro said the call was a way of acknowledging Tinubu’s commitment to peace, security and human-capital development in the Niger Delta.
He spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the pre-departure orientation for the latest batch of scholarship beneficiaries.
The new deployment brings the number of PAP beneficiaries sent abroad for postgraduate studies in 2026 to 243. Otuaro said 93 beneficiaries had earlier been deployed in January and May, while about 270 others were already pursuing programmes in UK universities.
The beneficiaries are studying disciplines including cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, law, forensic auditing, financial technology, construction engineering, and oil and gas engineering.
Describing the scholarship programme as an investment in the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria, Otuaro said it was designed not only to strengthen human capacity but also to consolidate peace and stability in the oil-producing region.
“We are again sending some of the most brilliant and vibrant youths of the Niger Delta for postgraduate studies in select disciplines in the UK.
“We are able to do this because our father and leader, Mr President, is committed to the peace, security and development of the Niger Delta,” he said.
Otuaro added: “As a people, we should make sure we vote massively to ensure his victory in the 2027 general elections. This is the best way to show gratitude to a President who has taken deliberate steps to help our people and the region.”
He said 56 members of the latest batch graduated with first-class degrees, while about 140 others obtained second-class upper degrees.
According to him, about 8,700 PAP beneficiaries are currently undergoing training in institutions across Nigeria.
He said the programme had so far deployed 270 beneficiaries to offshore universities, comprising 11 undergraduates, 238 master’s students and 21 PhD candidates. Of these, 57 had graduated, many with distinctions, while 248 remained in training.
“From onshore universities, we have recorded 54 master’s and doctoral graduates. In the 2024/2025 academic year, we recorded over 50 first-class graduates and over 134 second-class upper division graduates,” Otuaro said.
He attributed the expansion of the scholarship scheme to the Tinubu administration’s support for PAP under the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing appreciation to the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for their backing and guidance.
Otuaro urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors of Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
He also encouraged them to return home after completing their programmes and apply their knowledge to the development of their communities and the country.
He cautioned them to respect UK laws and the regulations of their respective universities.
Two of the beneficiaries, Opukeme Gideon, who is studying for an MSc in Cyber Security at the University of Aberdeen, and Afiyagba Peredisabofa, an MSc Oil and Gas student at Coventry University, thanked Tinubu and Otuaro for the opportunity.
They pledged to work hard and justify the confidence placed in them.
The initiative also received commendation from the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali; Prof Ben Binebai of Niger Delta University; Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs; Delta State Governor’s Senior Policy Adviser, Hon Funkekeme Solomon; and President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete.
The stakeholders credited Tinubu with sustaining the scholarship programme and investing in the education and future of young people from the Niger Delta. They also praised Otuaro for expanding the scheme and maintaining attention to gender balance in the selection of beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries were also briefed on British social and cultural expectations, academic requirements, personal security and financial management while studying abroad.
The orientation was attended by PANDEF Secretary, Engr Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack; its Treasurer, Hon Ifeoma Agbomah; and members of Ijaw Women Connect, led by its President, Mrs Rosemary Oduone.
