Presidential Amnesty Programme debunks cancellation of scholarship scheme

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has dismissed rumours trending on social media platforms on outright cancellation of its scholarship scheme.

In a statement by Special Assistant, Media, PAP, Freston Akpor, the body said the PAP had not at any time announced the cancellation of the ongoing scholarship scheme to eligible beneficiaries.

Recall that an official statement issued by the PAP on January 6, 2023, emphasised that its scholarship scheme has temporarily been placed on hold owing to financial constraints occasioned by the huge debt profile associated with the formal education component of the programme.

Akpor explained that the recent award of scholarships (not by the present management), were done without recourse to proper budgetary considerations and efficient financial planning thus having an adverse effect on PAP’s current budgetary needs.

He said it would defy any logical reasoning on the part of the office to commence award of fresh scholarships without adequately restructuring its current debts and effectively planning with available resources.

“The PAP under its current leadership recognises and acknowledges the importance of education and capacity building to the growth and development of the Niger Delta and will therefore not relent in doing everything possible to ensure that formal education opportunities are made available to beneficiaries of the programme,” Akpor said.