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 Niger Delta youths to universities in the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies. This initiative is part of the PAP's 2026 offshore postgraduate scholarship programme. The programme has successfully deployed 243 beneficiaries to UK universities this year.
A group of 150 beneficiaries underwent pre-departure orientation at the PAP headquarters in Abuja in August, following earlier deployments involving 93 scholars in January and May. These beneficiaries are pursuing various courses, including software engineering, cybersecurity, global public health, oil and gas engineering, law, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, forensic audit, and data science analytics.
The IYN described the expansion of educational opportunities under the programme as a significant investment in human capital development in the Niger Delta. The group praised Dr. Otuaro's leadership, stating that he has shown what purposeful leadership can achieve. The IYN also commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration's support for the PAP.
The IYN President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday. They noted that educational interventions could contribute to addressing skills gaps in the Niger Delta while expanding opportunities available to young people from the region. The group credited the Federal Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their support for the programme.
The PAP operates under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The programme provides laptops to support the studies of beneficiaries abroad. Dr. Otuaro emphasized that investment in education is intended to help develop expertise that could contribute to communities across the region when beneficiaries complete their studies.
The IYN argued that providing young people with educational and professional opportunities could contribute to economic empowerment in the oil-producing region. The group called for the scholarship initiative to be sustained, stating that it is an important investment in human capital development.
The IYN also used its statement to make a political declaration ahead of the 2027 presidential election, pledging to mobilize support for President Tinubu. The group argued that the administration's backing for the PAP deserved political support from the region.
Key points
- The Ijaw Youth Network commends Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro for the Presidential Amnesty Programme's scholarship initiative.
- The programme has deployed 243 Niger Delta youths to UK universities for postgraduate studies this year.
- The IYN pledges to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
