Tinubu Commends PAP’s Scholarship Expansion, Stakeholder Engagement and Peacebuilding Efforts — Otuaro Reveals 4,500 Students Deployed to Nigerian Varsities in 2025
Tinubu Commends PAP’s Scholarship Expansion, Stakeholder Engagement and Peacebuilding Efforts — Otuaro Reveals 4,500 Students Deployed to Nigerian Varsities in 2025
INTRODUCTION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed satisfaction with the significant progress recorded by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the Niger Delta, particularly in the areas of scholarship expansion, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and sustained peacebuilding initiatives.
This assurance was conveyed by the Administrator of the Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, during the flag-off of the fourth batch of the Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
PAP’S PEACEBUILDING STRATEGY GAINS MOMENTUM
The two-day training programme, organised in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), forms part of PAP’s broader strategy to consolidate peace in the Niger Delta through dialogue, leadership development and conflict resolution.
Dr. Otuaro noted that similar workshops were successfully conducted for three batches of stakeholders in July and August 2025, affirming the Programme’s commitment to continuity, inclusiveness and capacity building.
According to him, President Tinubu is particularly delighted with PAP’s deliberate shift towards people-centred policies that prioritise education, dialogue and unity as tools for long-term regional stability.
TINUBU’S SUPPORT FOR NIGER DELTA PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
Addressing participants, Otuaro disclosed that President Tinubu remains fully supportive of the Amnesty Programme because of his deep desire for sustainable peace, stability and development in the Niger Delta.
He described stakeholders as not only partners in peace, but also peace ambassadors of the President, tasked with ensuring harmony within their communities and across the region.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated.
4,500 STUDENTS DEPLOYED TO NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES
One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement that 4,500 Niger Delta students have been deployed to universities across Nigeria under PAP’s domestic scholarship scheme for the 2025–2026 academic session.
Dr. Otuaro explained that the scholarship expansion is part of a strategic redirection of the Programme towards investing in the future leadership of the region, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with education, skills and opportunities.
“We have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. This academic session, we have sent 4,500 students—our future leaders—on scholarships to universities within Nigeria,” he said.
STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO RESIST POLITICAL MANIPULATION
While reaffirming PAP’s commitment to peace, Otuaro cautioned stakeholders against being misled by political merchants or anti-Niger Delta elements unhappy with the Programme’s grassroots focus.
He dismissed smear campaigns against the agency, stressing that his administration would not allow anyone to hold the Niger Delta to ransom.
He further called on stakeholders to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing the President’s clear agenda for peace, inclusion and development in the Niger Delta.
COMMENDATION FOR SECURITY AND INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
Dr. Otuaro commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support in strengthening PAP’s initiatives, noting that such collaboration has been crucial to the Programme’s effectiveness.
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, the resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with PAP to deepen peacebuilding efforts in the region.
CONCLUSION
The latest stakeholder training underscores the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s evolving approach to peacebuilding—anchored on dialogue, leadership development and education. With strong presidential backing and expanded opportunities for Niger Delta youths, PAP continues to position itself as a central pillar in the quest for lasting peace and development in the region.
Author Bio
SOURCE
Source: Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Press Release, signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, 15 December 2025.
TAGS
Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, Bola Tinubu, Niger Delta Peace, PAP Scholarships, Stakeholder Engagement, Nigerian Education, Peacebuilding
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President Bola Tinubu has commended the Presidential Amnesty Programme for its scholarship expansion, stakeholder engagement and peacebuilding strides, as PAP deploys 4,500 students to Nigerian universities in 2025. Full report by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi.
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