Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026: Full Guide for Niger Delta Applicants

The Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026 is now open for registered beneficiaries and eligible youths from the nine Niger Delta states. This onshore scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, monthly in-training allowance and book allowance for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in approved Nigerian universities.

Deadline is 21 August 2026. Application is completely free. If you are from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo or Rivers and meet the criteria, this is your chance to secure funding for the 2026/2027 session.

What is the Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship?

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Scholarship, managed under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta (OSAPND), supports formal education as part of the reintegration of ex-agitators and youths from impacted communities.

Under the current leadership of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the programme has awarded about 9,000 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in Nigerian institutions plus hundreds of offshore placements. Recent results show strong outcomes: 32 beneficiaries graduated with First Class and 134 with Second Class Upper in one year alone.

The 2026/2027 cycle focuses on onshore studies only. Undergraduate scholars must complete a mandatory one-year post-graduation service in the Niger Delta.

Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026 Quick Facts

Host: Federal Government of Nigeria (OSAPND/PAP)
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD
Location: Approved Nigerian universities only
Benefits: Tuition + Accommodation + Monthly In-Training Allowance (ITA) + Book allowance
Eligible states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, Rivers
Deadline: 21 August 2026
Application fee: Free

Who Can Apply for the PAP Scholarship 2026?

You must be a registered beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (ex-agitator or eligible person from an impacted community) and meet the academic conditions below.

Undergraduate Requirements

Indigene of one of the nine Niger Delta states listed above
Minimum age 16 years
Sat the 2026 UTME or already admitted as a new 100-level student for the 2026/2027 session
Valid 2026 UTME result (meet the minimum score set by PAP)
Complete O’Level results (WAEC or NECO) with at least five credits including English and Mathematics – awaiting results not accepted
Local Government Area (LGA) letter of identification
Course of study must be on the approved list

Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) Requirements

Meet the undergraduate state and age criteria
Newly admitted into a Master’s (or PhD) programme for 2026/2027
Bachelor’s degree certificate or statement of result (for Master’s applicants)
Valid NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate
LGA letter of identification
Previous PAP undergraduate beneficiaries seeking Master’s sponsorship need First Class or Second Class Upper; approval is discretionary and subject to funds
Course on the approved list
May be required to sit a written aptitude test and oral interview

What Does the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Cover?

Successful applicants receive:

Full tuition fees
Accommodation support
Monthly In-Training Allowance (ITA)
Book allowance

Funding is reviewed every session. You must maintain the minimum CGPA prescribed by PAP (commonly cited as 2.0). Misconduct or false information can lead to withdrawal of the award.

Undergraduate beneficiaries must complete one year of service supporting development initiatives in the Niger Delta after graduation.

Required Documents for PAP Scholarship 2026

Undergraduate applicants prepare:

Completed online application form
O’Level result(s)
2026 UTME result
LGA Identification Letter
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
Letter of Admission (if available)

Postgraduate applicants also upload:

Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate
Transcript of First Degree (recommended)

Scan documents clearly in the format requested on the portal. Blurry or incomplete uploads cause delays or rejection.

How to Apply for Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)

Visit the official portal: scholarship.osapnd.gov.ng
Create an applicant account with a valid email and phone number (or log in if you already have one)
Fill the application form carefully – personal details, academic history, course and institution
Upload all required documents in the correct format and size
Review every entry for accuracy
Submit the application online

The entire process is free. PAP repeatedly warns that no one is authorised to collect money for application, admission or placement. Anyone asking for payment is a scammer. Report such cases.

Shortlisted candidates may face a written test and oral interview. Selection is merit-based and depends on available funds.

[INTERNAL LINK: related post on how to prepare for scholarship interviews]

Approved Fields of Study

PAP accepts applications in these broad areas (exact courses appear on the portal):

Arts & Humanities
Natural Sciences
Medical & Clinical Sciences
Social Sciences
Engineering & Technology
Agriculture
Veterinary Medicine
Law

Confirm your specific course is on the approved list before applying.

Important Conditions to Keep the Scholarship

Maintain the required CGPA every session
Observe good conduct and follow all PAP rules
Complete the one-year post-graduation service (undergraduates)
Provide accurate information – false claims lead to disqualification

PAP has expanded the scheme significantly under the current administration with strong backing from President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser. Thousands of students are already studying across Nigerian universities with this support.

ALSO READ: How to write a strong scholarship personal statement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026?

Registered PAP beneficiaries (ex-agitators or eligible individuals from impacted communities) who are indigenes of the nine Niger Delta states and meet the academic requirements for undergraduate or postgraduate study.

What documents do I need for the PAP Scholarship application?

O’Level results, 2026 UTME result, LGA letter, birth certificate/age declaration for undergraduates. Postgraduates add degree certificate/statement of result and NYSC certificate. Admission letter is useful when available.

Is the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship completely free?

Yes. Application is free. PAP does not charge any fee and does not authorise anyone to collect money on its behalf. Paying anyone puts your application at risk.

What does the PAP Scholarship cover?

Tuition fees, accommodation, monthly In-Training Allowance and book allowance for the duration of the approved programme, subject to maintaining the required CGPA and good conduct.

What is the deadline for Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026?

21 August 2026. Submit early. Do not wait until the last day.

Final Advice and Call to Action

Check that you are a registered beneficiary and that your documents are complete before you start. Prepare clear scans. Use a reliable internet connection. Double-check every detail on the form.

If you meet the criteria, apply now through the official portal. The window closes on 21 August 2026.

Visit scholarship.osapnd.gov.ng today, create your account and submit your application.

ALSO READ: How to write a CV that gets shortlisted

Share this guide with other eligible youths from the Niger Delta so they do not miss the opportunity.