PAP Sends 15 Nigerian Scholars to UK for Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity, Engineering, Data Science

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has deployed an additional 15 beneficiaries under its foreign scholarship initiative to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom as part of its May 2026 overseas academic placement programme.

The latest batch of scholars will undertake master’s degree programmes in high-demand and globally competitive fields including cyber security, software engineering, data science, biomedical science, oil and gas engineering, automotive engineering, and communication and media studies.

The deployment was officially announced during a pre-departure briefing held at the programme’s headquarters in Abuja, where the Administrator of PAP, Dennis Otuaro, commended the beneficiaries for their academic excellence and urged them to represent Nigeria positively abroad.

According to PAP, several of the scholars secured the foreign scholarship opportunity based on exceptional academic performance, with some graduating with first-class honours during their undergraduate studies.

As part of efforts to support their academic journey, each beneficiary was also provided with a laptop to aid research, coursework, and learning throughout their stay in the United Kingdom.

Otuaro attributed the continued success of the scholarship programme to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

He explained that the scholarship scheme is designed to equip young Nigerians from the Niger Delta with advanced education, international exposure, and leadership capacity needed to contribute meaningfully to regional development upon their return.

Addressing the scholars, Otuaro advised them to maintain discipline, uphold Nigeria’s image abroad, and make good use of the educational opportunity.

He stated that the programme remains committed to investing heavily in education and human capital development as a long-term strategy for peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the beneficiaries are expected to return after their studies and contribute toward nation-building, economic growth, and community development across the oil-rich region.

The Head of Education at PAP, Charles Ariye, also briefed the students on academic expectations, cultural adaptation, and the realities of studying in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ikiere Victor, who will study Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the PAP leadership for the life-changing opportunity.

He assured the management that the scholars would remain focused on their studies and uphold the values of good conduct throughout their stay overseas.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme disclosed that since Otuaro assumed office in March 2024, more than 9,000 students have reportedly been deployed to universities and training institutions both within Nigeria and abroad for various professional and industry-relevant programmes.

Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was created to address militancy and unrest in the Niger Delta through rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting lasting peace and economic development in the region.

Education stakeholders say the continued expansion of foreign scholarship opportunities under the programme could help boost Nigeria’s skilled workforce in critical sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and energy.