Amnesty Programme Sponsors 161 Niger Deltans for Masterโs Degrees in UK
Amnesty Programme Sponsors 161 Niger Deltans for Masterโs Degrees in UK
Reported By David Joshua | Sele Media Africa
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has officially flagged off the overseas education sponsorship of 161 beneficiaries from the Niger Delta region, sending them to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd.), made the announcement in Abuja during the pre-departure briefing for the students, noting that the initiative aligns with the federal governmentโs commitment to empowering ex-agitators and building sustainable peace in the oil-rich region.
โ โThis is part of our strategic reintegration framework to ensure that beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme are equipped with global education and leadership competence,โ Ndiomu said. (Source: Punch NG โ Sept. 22, 2025)
(punchng.com)
Focus on Academic Excellence
The 161 beneficiaries will be pursuing Masterโs degrees in various fields including Engineering, Oil & Gas Management, Environmental Science, Public Policy, and Technology across top UK universities.
Ndiomu emphasized that the selection process was merit-based, involving a rigorous academic and background verification process. He further warned the students to remain focused, urging them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and the Niger Delta in particular.
A Global Strategy for Reintegration
The Amnesty Office says this foreign education push is part of a broader re-integration strategy, which includes:
โขโ โ Vocational training
โขโ โ Business empowerment programs
โขโ โ Scholarship for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies
โขโ โ Mental wellness and rehabilitation
Ndiomu also mentioned that over 1,200 Niger Delta youths have benefitted from overseas education under the PAP since its inception in 2009.
Federal Support and Peacebuilding
The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established in 2009 by the Nigerian government to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate ex-militants from the Niger Delta. Over the years, the program has evolved from disarmament to capacity building and education, seen as a tool for long-term peace in the region.
The current batch marks one of the largest cohorts sent abroad in a single academic year under the renewed efforts of the Tinubu administration.
Sele Media Africa will continue to track the progress of the students and the impact of the PAPโs evolving strategy on youth development in Nigeria.
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