Six Nigerian student delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have graduated with first class degrees, courtesy of the PAP education scholarship scheme.
The six beneficiaries were among of 144 student delegates who successfully concluded courses in some universities in the United Kingdom recently. While 23 of the scholarship beneficiaries graduated with second class upper, others completed their courses in other divisions.
The Presidential Amnesty Office, in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission, UK, in giving credence to what has become a norm in the education component of the PAP, hosted the successful delegates from several universities to a reception at the Nigerian House, London.
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by the deputy chief of staff to the President, Ade Ipaye, said the achievement was proof that the future is bright not only for the Niger Delta but Nigeria in general.
Osinbajo advised the delegates to see themselves as Nigerians first and not from any particular region, since Nigerians always turn out among the best anywhere they find themselves globally.
The Acting President reaffirmed government’s support for the PAP, lauding the successes currently emanating from various components of training schemes under the programme.
He further explained that the essence of the scholarship was to create a balance between excellent results of the student delegates and the prospect of a solid economic base.
He urged the graduates to apply skills acquired during their studies to establish viable enterprises.
In his remarks at the reception, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and coordinator, PAP, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), described the event as a presentation of some of Nigeria’s best talents and a showcase of the nation’s bright future.
Boroh said the outstanding performances of the student delegates were made possible through the unique leadership style and support structure provided by President Muhammadu Buhari, who has ensured adequate release of funds to the Amnesty Office since the inception of the administration.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Acting President, who has reached out to the people of the Niger Delta by touring the states on a fact-finding mission and conflict resolution in order to achieve peace and security. Boroh emphasised that peace was expensive to achieve but succeeding required consistent collaboration among government, communities, stakeholders, groups and individuals.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, represented by Senator Philip Aduda, said the country was proud of the delegates and urged them to remain resilient, focused, calm and supportive of the Buhari administration. He also enjoined them to promote harmonious co-existence and keep bilateral agreements wherever their success takes them.