The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has announced that 16 of its sponsored scholars have completed master's degrees in the United Kingdom and the United States, with four achieving distinction. This milestone underscores the Federal Government's investment in education for Niger Delta youths, according to a statement from the programme.
Four Scholars Earn Distinction
The four graduates who earned distinctions are Nina Orubebe (Financial Management), Tonbra Tonlagha (International Hospitality and Tourism), Kemien Egbekun (Law), and Simon Douye (Construction Engineering Management). The remaining scholars completed postgraduate degrees in fields such as software engineering, oil and gas, data science, financial management, law, and global public health.
They studied at prestigious institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, Coventry University, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Dundee, Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Bedfordshire, Aston University, the University of Cambridge, the University of South Wales, and Northumbria University.
PAP Administrator Congratulates Graduates
Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, congratulated the graduates for completing their programmes on schedule. He stated, "Our decision to expand the scholarship scheme is anchored on the massive support and strong desire of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bridge the region’s human capital development gap under the Renewed Hope Agenda."
Otuaro added that the success of the scholars demonstrates that the Federal Government's investment in education is paying off and will help build a skilled workforce for the Niger Delta. He encouraged the graduates to apply their knowledge to community and national development.
Programme Defends Scholarship Expansion
Addressing critics, Otuaro said, "We will not succumb to the frivolous activities of mischief-makers and detractors because many of them are unhappy that we have increased educational scholarship opportunities for poor Niger Deltans, based on the mandate of the President." He thanked President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for their support.
Since Otuaro assumed office in March 2024, the programme has produced 111 master's and PhD graduates—57 from foreign universities and 54 from Nigerian institutions. Approximately 9,000 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships have been awarded in Nigerian tertiary institutions, and 247 beneficiaries have received overseas scholarships.
Background of the Amnesty Programme
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was initially focused on disarmament and reintegration of former Niger Delta militants. Over time, it has shifted towards education, vocational training, and skills development to reduce unemployment, discourage militancy, and promote lasting peace in the region.
