The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025–2026 academic year.
The beneficiaries will undergo programmes in fields such as data science, fintech analytics, cybersecurity, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, as well as electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.
More foreign post-graduate scholars are expected to join UK universities during the current academic session.
In December 2025, nine students who formed the first set of offshore post-graduate scholars deployed by PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024–2025 academic year successfully completed their studies in the UK.
Since assuming office in March 2024, Otuaro has deployed over 9,000 students to tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria to pursue industry-relevant programmes.
Speaking on Thursday during a pre-departure orientation programme at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, Otuaro said the large-scale deployment was part of efforts to build a knowledge-driven Niger Delta.
He said his administration had revitalised the PAP to enhance service delivery in line with the mandate given by President Bola Tinubu.
“We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom,” Otuaro said, in remarks delivered by his Technical Assistant, Mr. Edgar Biu.
“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The objective behind the huge scholarship deployment is to develop the human capital needed to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.
“We want to build relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and, by extension, for the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after graduation.”
Otuaro urged the scholars to pursue academic excellence, noting that they have a responsibility to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.
He also warned beneficiaries against taking the opportunity for granted, stressing that the programme exists for the overall benefit of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
The PAP Administrator expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme,” especially the approval of the programme’s budget increase from ₦65 billion to ₦150 billion. He also lauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and supervision of PAP initiatives.
He advised the scholars to obey the laws of their host country and abide by the rules and regulations of their respective institutions, reminding them that they represent Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities.
The event featured the presentation of laptops to the scholars to aid their academic work.
