The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has launched the distribution of laptops to its scholarship recipients who are in their final year or pursuing postgraduate degrees at partner universities across Nigeria.
The first phase of the initiative saw 64 beneficiaries—25 from Nile University and 39 from Baze University—receive their laptops on Friday and Monday. Among them were 60 final-year undergraduates, three master’s students, and one doctoral candidate.
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the PAP, said during the presentation ceremonies that the initiative was a fulfillment of a commitment he made during his 2024 visits to partner institutions.
He emphasized the significance of the laptops in supporting academic work, particularly for students working on their projects, theses, and dissertations.
A statement issued by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, noted that Otuaro was represented at the events by Ebikpolade Zorab, acting head of administration, and Ebimene Jackson, secretary to the administrator.
“You are the first set of PAP scholarship students that are receiving these laptops, and we will also extend this (distribution) to other beneficiaries in other institutions that we are partnering with,” Otuaro said.
“I advise and encourage you to make good use of it for your academic progress. With these laptops, if you were to make a low grade in your project, we expect that you will score excellent grades because you now have portable computers to enhance your academic endeavours.”
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to developing human capital in the Niger Delta as part of broader efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the region.
Otuaro also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Amnesty Programme and its educational and vocational goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, Dr. Charles Ariye, PAP’s Head of Education, highlighted that scholarship beneficiaries had not received laptops in the past six years. He said the initiative was part of efforts to boost students’ digital literacy.
“We are in a digital age. You are doing a lot with your phones, and with your laptop, you can do more. This effort is also aimed at aligning with the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s mandate to provide quality university education,” he said.
During courtesy visits by PAP officials, Nile University Registrar David Olowola and Baze University’s Professor Abiodun Adeniyi lauded the decision to equip students with laptops, describing it as a step that will greatly enhance their academic journey. They also reaffirmed their institutions’ readiness to continue supporting the programme’s mission to develop skilled professionals for national progress.
Beneficiaries of the laptops—including student leaders Eperetun Gboroteiye (Nile) and Pedro Timotubo (Baze), along with Oyinlayefa Ogiriki, Mina Ikiba, Friday Dunu, and Martha Tuwabere—expressed their gratitude to the PAP leadership, saying the devices would significantly aid their studies.
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