Another 31 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom to begin postgraduate studies at various universities, as the programme continues its overseas scholarship initiative for youths from the Niger Delta.
The scholars, who travelled from Abuja and arrived in London on Friday, are part of the 150 beneficiaries who participated in a pre-departure orientation organised by PAP in August.
Their departure comes just a week after another batch of 54 beneficiaries left for the UK to begin their studies.
The students will pursue postgraduate degrees in fields including forensic audit, construction engineering management, data science analytics, law, software engineering, oil and gas engineering, cybersecurity, global public health and fintech analytics.
According to PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, a total of 243 overseas postgraduate scholarships have been awarded under the programme this year.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Otuaro urged them to focus on academic excellence and make the most of the opportunity.
He said the scholars should justify the government’s investment in their education by excelling in their studies and serving as positive ambassadors of the Niger Delta.
“The huge benefits of the investment in the Niger Delta youths’ education will be felt in the years to come,” he said.
“Apart from closing the human capital development gap, we are building a community of intellectuals that will be the light of our region in the interest of peace, stability and development of communities in the country.”
Otuaro described education as a key tool for promoting sustainable peace, development and economic growth in the Niger Delta, expressing confidence that the beneficiaries would contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country after completing their studies.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its educational initiatives, saying the administration had shown commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and its young people.
The PAP administrator further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other stakeholders, while reaffirming the programme’s commitment to youth development and long-term stability in the region
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.