Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has implored the new postgraduate foreign scholarship beneficiaries to treat their awards with utmost seriousness. Speaking at the PAP headquarters in Abuja during an orientation session for more than 140 awardees of the third batch, he warned them that the scholarship is not a chance to “japa” — a popular slang meaning to flee abroad permanently.
These scholars will be pursuing postgraduate studies at universities across the United Kingdom. As part of efforts to support their academic journey abroad and research work, each beneficiary was given a brand-new laptop at the ceremony.
Otuaro used the orientation to emphasise that this scholarship is a privilege, not a bailout. They are expected to return to Nigeria after their studies and contribute directly to national development, especially in the Niger Delta, where PAP’s mandate is focused.
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Backing from the Top: National Leadership’s Role in PAP Scholarships
Dr. Otuaro expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for their sustained support. He noted that their backing had made possible the recent deployments: the first batch in January 2025, followed by two more in September 2025.
The PAP scholarship initiative is a strategic move aimed at closing the human capital deficit in sectors critical to the Niger Delta’s development. The programme seeks qualified professionals to fill gaps and drive progress in areas where capacity has been weak.
Otuaro reminded beneficiaries that their conduct abroad, respect for the laws of their host country, and the standards of their universities will reflect on Nigeria and on the trust that the PAP has placed in them. He warned that previous abuses of such programmes have made cooperation with some European countries more restrictive.
The Core Message: Study, Complete, Return
Delivering a direct admonition, Otuaro told the scholars: “This is not an opportunity to japa (abscond).” He urged them to finish their studies abroad and return home to add value, using their gained skills and knowledge for the country’s benefit.
He reinforced that the deployment is designed around the skill demand in the Niger Delta. He said the programme wants people who will not overstay in foreign lands but will come back, contribute, and if necessary, later reapply for travel.
Integrity, respect, discipline — these are his instructions to the scholars. Follow the university rules; obey the host country’s laws; behave well in foreign lands; and ensure that when you return, you honour the investment made in you.
Why the Warning Matters: Long-Term Implications of “Overstay”
The fear of “japa” is more than just rhetoric. Dr. Otuaro pointed out that scholarship abuses — such as beneficiaries failing to return, violating terms of stay, or otherwise misusing opportunities — have strained trust between Nigeria and partner countries.
UK’s cooperation has been “very considerate,” he said, but hinted that such generosity might wane if the terms are dishonoured again. These scholarships serve dual goals: giving deserving Niger Delta youths access to world-class education, and bringing back expertise for sustainable development at home.
Finally, he reminded the scholars that all eyes are on them: family, community, government and the president. Their success or failure will ripple beyond personal achievement. PAP is counting on them not just to excel academically abroad, but to return and help bridge the critical human resource gap in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.
Conclusion
The message from PAP’s leadership is clear: take this scholarship seriously, make the most of it, but do not treat it as escape. Scholars must return home, contribute to Nigeria—and especially to the Niger Delta—and justify the investment being made on their behalf. The appeal to loyalty, ethical conduct, and patriotism is loud and direct.
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