Dr Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, has urged students benefiting from the Amnesty scholarship scheme to maintain their high academic standards in their respective universities.
Otuaro shared these remarks during his visits to PAP scholarship students at various universities in Delta State including Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Western Delta University in Oghara, and Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Agbarha-Otor. Additionally, he also visited students at Igbinedion University in Okada and Benson Idahosa University in Benin, Edo State the day before.
Impressed by the outstanding academic achievements of the PAP scholarship students, Otuaro emphasized the importance of such accomplishments as a catalyst for the government to further invest in human capital development.
According to a statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro reiterated that the emphasis on education aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy to utilize the human resources in the Niger Delta region for productive purposes, fostering peace and economic growth.
During discussions with the Vice-Chancellors of the partner universities, Otuaro pledged the PAP’s support for exceptional students seeking to pursue Master’s degrees if they secure admission.
“Education plays a vital role in this program. We have seen students achieve remarkable results, including First Class and Second Class Upper honours, as well as distinctions at the postgraduate level,” said Otuaro.
“These accomplishments are significant steps towards closing the human capacity gap in the Niger Delta region. I firmly believe that formal education provides self-sufficiency and better opportunities for 80% of the beneficiaries.
“The Presidential Amnesty Programme aims to uplift the underprivileged. If you excel academically, we are committed to supporting your postgraduate studies. We are dedicated to ensuring their success and will provide the necessary assistance for those who achieve outstanding grades to access employment opportunities.
“The impressive academic performances of students at our partner institutions are a source of joy for us and will undoubtedly be celebrated by the President.
“I encourage the students to enhance their interpersonal skills and adhere to the institutions’ rules and regulations. The goal is for the government’s impact to be tangible for the people beyond just electoral periods, which is why these measures have been taken,” he added.
Prof Augustine Ikelegbe, the Vice-Chancellor of Western Delta University, highlighted the institution’s mentorship program focused on guiding students to prevent any form of deviation.
At Edwin Clark University, Vice-Chancellor Prof Samuel Ugbolue expressed pride in the accomplishments of Amnesty students and affirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the PAP.
Similarly, at Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Vice-Chancellor Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape commended the excellent feedback on the students, noting that some of them had achieved the best results in their faculties.