By Rukevwe Odeh

The National Association of Ijaw Students (NAIS), Northern Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the educational reforms being implemented by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the leadership of its Administrator, Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, describing the initiative as a major investment in the future of the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on Friday, the association said the Programme’s renewed focus on education, skills acquisition and human capital development is creating lasting opportunities for young people across the region and should be sustained.

According to the student body, thousands of beneficiaries have been enrolled in universities and professional institutions within Nigeria and overseas since Dr. Otuaro assumed office, reflecting a deliberate effort to empower Niger Delta youths through education rather than dependence on welfare.

NAIS noted that the expansion of scholarship opportunities, professional training and capacity-building programmes aligns with the original vision of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which seeks to promote peace and sustainable development through education and economic empowerment.

While acknowledging the welfare concerns of former agitators, the association urged stakeholders to reconsider ongoing demands for an increase in the monthly stipend paid to ex-agitators. It argued that available resources should instead be directed towards expanding educational and vocational opportunities capable of benefiting a larger population of youths across the region.

The association maintained that education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty, tackling unemployment and promoting long-term economic growth, warning that excessive recurrent expenditure could limit the Programme’s ability to deliver lasting developmental impact.

It therefore called on delegates, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to support the current policy direction of the Amnesty Programme by embracing initiatives that promote education, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development.

NAIS also appealed to federal and state governments, development partners, traditional institutions and leaders of the Ijaw nation to complement the Programme’s efforts by investing more in scholarships, vocational education, research and youth empowerment initiatives.

The association expressed confidence that sustained investment in human capital would strengthen peace, economic prosperity and social stability in the Niger Delta while preparing future generations for greater opportunities.

It further encouraged the PAP Administrator to remain focused on implementing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality education despite mounting pressures from groups advocating increased stipends.

The statement was signed by the Interim President of the National Association of Ijaw Students (NAIS), Northern Nigeria, Comrade Blessing Iyorakpo, and dated July 3, 2026.