PAP Warns Against Extortion in Scholarship Scheme, Reaffirms Programme Is Free
By Paul Ebi
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has reiterated that its scholarship scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate studies remains entirely free of charge.
In a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the agency cautioned members of the public
particularly Niger Deltans—against falling victim to fraudsters who demand payment in exchange for admission or placement under the programme.
“The PAP does not accept money or encourage same in exchange for services, including the placement of successful applicants in institutions for admissions in any academic year,” the statement read.According to Oduma, the clarification became necessary following reports that some unscrupulous stakeholders and individuals have been collecting money from unsuspecting parents and guardians, promising to secure admissions for their wards through the Amnesty Programme.
“We have warned against this fraudulent act before now. No applicant, parent or guardian should pay money to anybody for the PAP scholarship programme. If you pay money to anybody, you do so at your own risk,” the statement emphasized.
The PAP further assured that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the management will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone found involved in such “nefarious acts.”
The agency urged members of the public to verify all scholarship-related information through its official communication channels to avoid being defrauded.
