PRESS STATEMENT
Education Wins Again — Victor Occasion Nelson and Leader Ebi John Celebrate Otuaro’s Leadership as PAP Scholars Shine Abroad
Nine PAP Scholars Earn Master’s Degrees From Top UK Universities
771 Others Set to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
Otuaro Commends Their Academic Excellence
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has achieved another significant milestone as nine foreign postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries have successfully completed their master’s degree programmes in the United Kingdom. Community representatives, including Victor Occasion Nelson and Leader Ebi John, have expressed happiness over this remarkable progress and praised the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro for restoring confidence in the PAP scholarship scheme.
These scholars represent the first group of students sponsored abroad under the leadership of the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, during the 2024–2025 academic session.
They obtained master’s degrees in cyber security, data science, engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT from Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Dundee, and The University of Law.
In addition to the overseas graduates, a total of 771 PAP-funded undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian universities are projected to complete their programmes in 2025.
The PAP hosted a reception in London on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, to celebrate the achievements of the UK-based scholars. According to Victor Occasion Nelson, the success of these scholars is a clear demonstration that Dr. Otuaro’s transparent and committed leadership is creating real opportunities for Niger Delta youths.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Otuaro congratulated the graduates, noting that their ability to complete their various programmes within the stipulated timeframe reflects their commitment, discipline, and seriousness.
He stated that their success demonstrates the value of the Federal Government’s investment in their education and urged other beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic goals.
“We are proud of their remarkable achievement. Their dedication represents the standard we expect from every PAP-supported scholar, both within and outside Nigeria,” Otuaro said.
Dr. Otuaro reaffirmed his resolve to broaden the PAP scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for students from low-income families across the Niger Delta, with the aim of reducing the human capital gap in the region. Leader Ebi John commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership, noting that his inclusive approach and consistency have renewed hope among ex-agitators and the wider Niger Delta community.
He highlighted that 3,800 students were deployed to Nigerian institutions during the 2024–2025 academic session, and the number increased to 3,900 in the 2025–2026 session, including 200 foreign scholarship slots.
In less than two years, a total of 7,700 students have benefitted from PAP scholarships across Nigeria, while 162 students have been sponsored abroad for specialised postgraduate programmes in targeted UK institutions.
Dr. Otuaro added that these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta, noting that the President has provided unprecedented support to the PAP because of his commitment to the region’s development.
“Our initiatives reflect President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision for the Niger Delta. We will continue to expand access to quality education and strengthen formal and informal development pathways to ensure lasting peace and socio-economic progress in the region,” he said.
