The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, for facilitating the placement of 150 youths from the Niger Delta in universities across the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies.

In a statement released on Sunday and jointly signed by the group’s President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the organization described the initiative as a clear reflection of visionary leadership and a commitment to youth empowerment.

The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, noting that the President’s backing has been instrumental to what it termed the programme’s remarkable successes under the current administration.

According to the IYN, the latest group of beneficiaries participated in a pre-departure orientation session conducted by Dr. Otuaro at the PAP headquarters in Abuja before their departure for the United Kingdom.

The deployment forms part of the programme’s 2026 overseas scholarship initiative and increases the number of PAP-sponsored postgraduate scholars sent abroad this year to 243. The figure includes 93 beneficiaries who were earlier deployed during the January and May batches.

The selected scholars are expected to undertake specialized master’s degree programmes in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, global public health, oil and gas engineering, law, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, forensic auditing, and data science.

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The Network further disclosed that the PAP has so far awarded scholarships to 8,700 students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, while an additional 4,300 beneficiaries have been approved for the 2026/2027 academic session. This brings the total number of students supported through the programme’s scholarship scheme to approximately 13,000.

Describing the initiative as a transformative investment in human capital development, the group stated:

“Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated the impact of purposeful and results-driven leadership. These beneficiaries will return as professionals in critical sectors including engineering, law, healthcare, technology, and data analytics, equipped to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Niger Delta and the nation at large.”

The IYN noted that the scholarship programme remains a strategic intervention aimed at addressing the region’s human capital challenges, promoting sustainable peace, and equipping young people with globally competitive skills.

The group also acknowledged the role of the Federal Government in sustaining the programme, noting that the PAP continues to enjoy substantial support under the administration of President Tinubu and the oversight of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Furthermore, the organization revealed that each beneficiary received a brand-new laptop during the orientation programme to enhance their academic experience and support their studies abroad.

The IYN subsequently urged Niger Delta stakeholders and residents to reciprocate what it described as the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the region by supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

According to the group, the President has consistently demonstrated goodwill toward the Niger Delta through sustained support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and by empowering its leadership to deliver impactful results.

“President Tinubu has remained steadfast in his support for the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, while standing firmly behind the Administrator in achieving these commendable outcomes. We believe the region should acknowledge this commitment through electoral support in 2027, and we are ready to mobilize accordingly,” the statement added.

The IYN concluded by emphasizing that continued investment in education, capacity building, and skills acquisition through the Presidential Amnesty Programme remains one of the most effective pathways to lasting peace, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.