The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that about 8,000 Nigerians are currently studying within the country, while 220 others are pursuing academic programmes in the United Kingdom under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Idris made the disclosure during a meeting with programme beneficiaries in the UK, held on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain at the invitation of King Charles III. Also in attendance was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri.
Elished in 2009 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was designed to address militancy in the Niger Delta by disarming and rehabilitating former agitators. Over the years, it has evolved to include ss training, education, and empowerment projects aimed at promoting peace and development in the oil rich region.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Idris said, “It is very heartwarming to witness the impact of the programme first hand and interact with beneficiaries.” He added that the current administration remains committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The minister noted that conditions in the Niger Delta have significantly improved compared to the past, with the once deprived and unle region now experiencing positive ce through initiatives such as the PAP. Idris further stated that the Programme Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, confirmed that over 8,000 students are currently studying in Nigeria, with more than 220 pursuing education in the UK.
He described the initiative as one of the most successful programmes in the country and affirmed that the Tinubu administration would continue to strengthen and reposition it for greater impact.
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