Dr Dennis Otuaro Charges PAP UK Scholars to Excel and Represent Nigeria with Pride.
By Ebi John and Victor Occasion
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has once again underscored the importance of discipline, excellence and national responsibility among beneficiaries of the Programme’s foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme.
Dr Otuaro gave this charge during a pre-departure orientation for 12 newly selected PAP scholars heading to universities in the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies. The event was held at the Programme’s headquarters in Abuja.
The briefing was designed to prepare the scholars for both academic and social life abroad. Sessions covered topics such as cultural adaptation in the UK, academic expectations, scholarship administration and responsible conduct. To further support their studies, each beneficiary was presented with a laptop to aid research and project work.
Speaking at the event, Dr Otuaro reminded the scholars that their performance would reflect not just on themselves, but also on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the people of the Niger Delta.
According to him, the continuation of the foreign scholarship programme is a clear indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development in the region. He disclosed that President Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, have expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Programme’s overseas academic sponsorships.
“Some people believed the foreign scholarship aspect of the Programme would no longer continue, but the results we have recorded have proven otherwise,” Dr Otuaro said. “The President is pleased with what we are doing, and that encouragement pushes us to do more.”
He stressed that the beneficiaries were carefully selected and urged them to avoid complacency.
“You are going out as ambassadors of this Programme and of Nigeria. There must be no room for negligence or misconduct. Put in your best and make this opportunity count,” he added.
Dr Otuaro explained that the chosen fields of study were aligned with industry and development needs, assuring stakeholders that the investment would yield long-term benefits for the Niger Delta and the nation.
He also encouraged scholars pursuing master’s degrees to see the opportunity as a stepping stone, noting that exceptional performance could attract further support for doctoral studies.
“When you return, you are expected to contribute meaningfully to the growth of your communities and the country. This is how the legacy of the Presidential Amnesty Programme will truly be measured,” he said.
Dr Otuaro reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, fairness and policies that prioritise the long-term development of the Niger Delta.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Arafiena Shekinah Nkem (MSc Project Management, University of Liverpool) and Omokaro Rick Efosa (MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Coventry University), expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the PAP leadership for the life-changing opportunity. They pledged to remain focused in their studies and to return home better equipped to contribute to national development.
