PAP Sponsors 150 Niger Delta Students To UK, As Otuaro Urges Massive Support For President Tinubu

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has sent another set of 150 Niger Delta beneficiaries abroad for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. With this latest deployment, the total number of offshore scholars sent by the current PAP leadership in 2026 has risen to 243.

This was contained in a statement released on August 21, 2026, by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator.

During a pre-departure orientation at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro*, described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in human capital and the future of the Niger Delta.

Dr. Otuaro called on the people of the region to throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He noted that the President’s commitment to peace, security and development in the Niger Delta deserves the region’s appreciation at the polls.

“We are sending some of the brightest and most promising youths of the Niger Delta for postgraduate studies in top UK universities,” he said.
“This is only possible because our father and leader, Mr. President, remains committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta.
As a people, we must vote massively in 2027 to ensure his re-election. That is how we show gratitude to a President who has made deliberate efforts to uplift our region.”

According to him, 93 beneficiaries were sent abroad in January and May, bringing the 2026 total to 243. He added that about 270 Niger Delta students were already studying in UK institutions before this new batch.

The scholars will pursue advanced degrees in fields such as cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, law, forensic audit, fintech, construction management, public health, and oil and gas engineering.

Dr. Otuaro further revealed that PAP currently has 8,700 beneficiaries studying in Nigeria, while 270 are on offshore programmes — 11 undergraduates, 238 master’s students and 21 PhD candidates. 57 have graduated, many with distinctions, and 248 are still in training.

He credited the expansion of the programme to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and support.

He urged the new scholars to be diligent, obey UK laws and school rules, and return home to contribute to national development.

Speaking for the beneficiaries, Opukeme Gideon, MSc Cyber Security student at University of Aberdeen, and Afiyagba Peredisabofa, MSc Oil and Gas student at Coventry University, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Dr. Otuaro promised to excel and make the region proud.

Dignitaries including PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali; Prof. Ben Binebai; activist AnnKio Briggs; Hon. Funkekeme Solomon*; and IYC President, Dr. Doubra Okotete, also praised the expansion of the PAP scholarship, calling it a legacy project for future generations of Niger Delta youths.