Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has issued a strong reminder to recipients of the programme’s foreign postgraduate scholarships, urging them to honor the privilege by fully committing to their academic pursuits.
This counsel was delivered during the orientation session for the third group of scholarship awardees, who are among more than 140 students currently undertaking postgraduate studies at universities across the United Kingdom. The event took place at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
According to a statement released on Friday and signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, the third cohort, like the previous two, was provided with brand-new laptops from the PAP office to support their academic work and research activities in the UK.
Otuaro expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering support in advancing PAP’s mission to bring the Amnesty Programme closer to the Niger Delta communities.
He cautioned the scholars against misusing the opportunity as a means to permanently relocate abroad, emphasizing the expectation that they return to Nigeria upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of both the Niger Delta and the nation at large.
Highlighting the strategic nature of the scholarship initiative, Otuaro noted that the extensive deployment, which began with the first batch in January 2025 and continued with the second batch on September 11, 2025, is a targeted effort to bridge the human capital deficit in the region.
“The Niger Delta urgently requires skilled professionals in vital sectors and disciplines,” Oduma quoted Otuaro as saying.
He further urged the beneficiaries to uphold exemplary conduct, comply with the laws of their host country, and adhere strictly to the academic and institutional regulations of their respective universities, all while dedicating themselves to their studies to justify the investment made in them.
Otuaro was quoted saying, “I implore you not to squander this postgraduate scholarship. Past misuses have jeopardized our chances in some European nations, but the UK Government has shown remarkable generosity.”
“My message to you is clear: complete your education and return to enrich our region and country. This scholarship is not a ticket to permanent migration,” he emphasized.
He also extended sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF for his substantial backing of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as well as to the Office of the National Security Adviser for their continued support.
“Our goal is to systematically close the human capacity gap in the Niger Delta, ensuring that qualified professionals are available across all fields. While some of us never had the chance to benefit from such scholarships, today you are the fortunate recipients, and tomorrow others will follow,” Otuaro remarked.
“This postgraduate scholarship is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, complete your studies, and return home. Your deployment aligns with the skill demands of the Niger Delta. Avoid overstaying your welcome. Upon finishing your programme, come back. Should you wish to pursue further studies or opportunities abroad, apply through the proper channels. Do not misuse this chance by engaging in unauthorized activities that could jeopardize your future,” he advised.
Otuaro encouraged the scholars to maximize the benefits of their sponsorship, making their families, communities, the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government, and the President proud through their achievements.
In closing, he congratulated all the beneficiaries on their selection and expressed gratitude to the UK Government for accommodating the over 140 postgraduate students across the three batches deployed by PAP in January, September 11, and September 18, 2025.
