The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to widening access to education for indigent students and communities across the Niger Delta through the PAP scholarship scheme.

Otuaro explained that the expansion of the programme aimed to increase formal education opportunities and build a strong human capital base in the region.

He made this known during an interactive session in London on Saturday with beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship initiative currently undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various universities across the United Kingdom.

The meeting, initiated by Otuaro, provided an avenue for direct engagement with the students to discuss their welfare, challenges, and progress under the scheme.

According to him, the number of in-country scholarship beneficiaries rose from 3,800 in the 2024/2025 academic year to 3,900 in the 2025/2026 session, while foreign scholarships accounted for about 200 students.

He attributed the growth in the programme to the strong support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
“I am greatly encouraged by the President and the NSA, who are very impressed with the progress of the PAP initiatives, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Otuaro said.

He urged the beneficiaries to justify the government’s investment by focusing on their studies and exhibiting exemplary conduct while in the U.K.
“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 stated.
“I know how much support His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, gives to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Mr. President and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are very impressed with what we are doing. On your behalf, I once again thank them for this life-changing opportunity.”

Otuaro reminded the students that the knowledge they acquire through the programme is their most valuable asset and urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
“Government is investing heavily in you, and you have the obligation to justify that investment. Be agents of change and avoid any acts of misconduct while in the U.K.,” he added.