The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in deploying 150 Niger Delta youths to universities across the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies. This move is seen as a demonstration of visionary leadership. The group praised President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support of the PAP, noting that his backing has been instrumental in the programme's success.
According to the IYN, the latest batch of beneficiaries participated in a pre-departure briefing led by Otuaro at the PAP headquarters in Abuja. This deployment is part of the programme's 2026 offshore scholarship scheme, bringing the total number of postgraduate scholars sent abroad this year to 243. Earlier batches of 93 students were dispatched in January and May. The beneficiaries will pursue specialized master's degree programmes in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science analytics.
The IYN commended the scholarship scheme designed to bridge the human capital development deficit in the Niger Delta, sustain peace and stability in the region, and equip young people with globally competitive skills. The group noted that the programme's success is a result of the Federal Government's support under President Tinubu and the supervision of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The scholars reportedly received brand-new laptops during orientation to support their academic work. The IYN described the sustained investment in education and skills development under the PAP as a critical pathway to lasting peace and economic empowerment in the oil-producing region. The group emphasized that the programme's impact will be felt as the beneficiaries return as engineers, lawyers, analysts, health experts, and technology professionals.
The IYN called on the people of the Niger Delta to reciprocate President Tinubu's commitment to the region with electoral support in the 2027 general elections. The group pledged to mobilize its members and networks across the region in favour of the president's continued leadership. According to them, it is essential for the Niger Delta to appreciate the President and his team with unflinching electoral support.
The organization described Dr. Otuaro's leadership as purposeful, noting that his efforts have yielded significant results. The IYN emphasized that the President has stood firmly with the Niger Delta and the PAP, and it is only proper that the people of the region repay this steadfastness with their support at the polls in 2027.
The IYN's commendation highlights the impact of the PAP's scholarship scheme on the Niger Delta region. With the programme's continued success, the region can expect to see a positive transformation in the lives of its youths and a significant contribution to the country's growth and development.
Key points
- The Ijaw Youth Network praises Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro for deploying 150 Niger Delta scholars to UK universities.
- The programme aims to bridge the human capital development deficit in the Niger Delta and equip young people with globally competitive skills.
- The IYN pledges to mobilize support for President Tinubu's continued leadership in the 2027 general elections.
