PAP warns against fraudulent scams, says its scholarship is free

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) on Thursday distanced itself from fraudulent schemes soliciting money in exchange for scholarships, warning that it will take decisive action against those behind the scams.

The PAP, in a statement by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, noted that the office had previously advised potential scholarship seekers that the application process is entirely free and does not require any payment.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme wishes to reiterate that its scholarship scheme is free of charge.

“The PAP, once again, alerts members of the public, particularly Niger Deltans, that the scholarship application process for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes does not involve payment of money.

“The PAP does not accept money nor encourage the same in exchange for services, including the placement of successful applicants in institutions for admissions in any academic year.

“This clarification has, again, become necessary following complaints to the Office of the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, that some unscrupulous PAP stakeholders and dubious individuals are allegedly collecting money from parents and guardians with all sorts of fake assurances of admissions,” the statement read in part.

PAP explained that it had earlier alerted the public and warned against fraudulent acts, adding that no applicant, parent, or guardian should pay money to anyone for the PAP scholarship programme.

“If you pay money to anybody, you do so at your own risk.

“The management of the PAP under the leadership of Dr Otuaro will not hesitate to take drastic measures against anybody caught involved in this nefarious act,” the PAP stated.