The Presidential Amnesty Programme has deployed an “additional 15 beneficiaries of its foreign scholarship scheme for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom,” in the first phase of its May 2026 academic placements abroad.
- +PAP sends 15 more scholars to UK for postgraduate studies
The scholars will pursue master’s degree programmes in fields including biomedical science, oil and gas engineering, data science, cyber security, software engineering, automotive engineering, and communication, culture, and media.
The scholars will pursue master’s degree programmes in fields including biomedical science, oil and gas engineering, data science, cyber security, software engineering, automotive engineering, and communication, culture, and media.
The deployment was announced during a pre-departure briefing held at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the Administrator of the programme, Dennis Otuaro, said several of the beneficiaries earned the awards through strong academic performance, including first-class degrees in their undergraduate studies.
According to a statement signed by the media aide to the PAP Administrator, Igoniko Oduma, each of the 15 scholars also received a laptop to support their academic work during their studies in the United Kingdom.
Otuaro attributed the scale of both onshore and offshore scholarship deployments, as well as the programme’s achievements, to the backing of President Bola Tinubu and the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He also linked the initiative to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it reflects a commitment to peace, development, and stability in the Niger Delta, while expressing strong support for the continued expansion of the scholarship scheme.
According to him, the programme is intended to prepare young Niger Deltans for future leadership roles in development and peacebuilding upon their return from studies abroad.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the PAP Boss urged them to represent the country responsibly while in the United Kingdom.
He said, “All the scholarship deployments and the monumental successes we have achieved are as a result of the strong support of President Bola Tinubu, and the efficient supervision by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“Be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the United Kingdom, and don’t disappoint Nigeria and the Niger Delta. Do your best and return home after your studies to join hands in advancing peace and development in our communities.
“That is why we are making this effort; we are preparing you for tomorrow, so that you will be part of the process of our development and sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta. We are building a civilized, polite, educated, and patriotic generation. Use this opportunity very well.
“I am unapologetic about the large number of scholarships that we are giving to young Niger Deltans for studies within and outside the country. I believe that we are doing the best for tomorrow, and there is no regret about it.”
Earlier in the briefing, the Head of Education at PAP, Charles Ariye, advised the scholars on academic expectations and adjustment to study in the UK.
The statement further noted that Ikiere Victor, who will study Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University and spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, President Tinubu, and the PAP leadership for the opportunity. He also pledged that the scholars would uphold good conduct while studying abroad.
According to PAP, Otuaro has deployed over 9,000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for various industry-relevant courses since assuming office in March 2024.
PAP was established in 2009 to address militancy in the Niger Delta by disarming and rehabilitating former agitators.
Over the years, it has evolved to focus on skills training, education, and empowerment projects aimed at fostering peace and development in the oil-rich region.
