Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Scholarship 2026/2027 for the Niger Delta regions
Applications are open for the 2026/2027 Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Scholarship, an education funding initiative designed to support eligible students from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Unlike a one-off education grant, the scholarship is structured to support beneficiaries through their studies, subject to continued academic performance and compliance with the programme’s conditions.
Funding covers tuition and related educational expenses at approved Nigerian institutions.
The scholarship has two tracks: Undergraduate and Postgraduate. Applications for the 2026/2027 session close on 21 August 2026.
About the Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship
The scholarship scheme is an education component of the broader Presidential Amnesty Programme, which supports reintegration and human-capital development within the Niger Delta.
Through the scholarship, eligible students can receive financial support for tertiary education at approved institutions. Beneficiaries are expected to maintain the required academic standard throughout their studies for funding to continue.
For the 2026/2027 session, the programme covers:
- Undergraduate studies
- Master’s degree programmes
- PhD programmes
Eligible States
Applicants must be indigenes of one of the nine Niger Delta states:
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa
- Cross River
- Delta
- Edo
- Imo
- Ondo
- Rivers
Applicants will need a Local Government Area letter of identification as evidence of their origin.
Undergraduate Scholarship
The undergraduate track is intended for eligible students entering university for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Applicants must:
- Be an indigene of one of the nine eligible Niger Delta states
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have sat for the 2026 UTME, or already be a new entrant into a 100-level programme for the 2026/2027 session
- Have their 2026 UTME result available
- Possess O’Level results from WAEC or NECO
- Have at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
- Not currently be awaiting WAEC or NECO results
- Possess a Local Government Area letter of identification
- Be pursuing a course included on the programme’s approved list
Applicants awaiting WAEC or NECO results are therefore not eligible under the stated requirements.
Postgraduate Scholarship
The postgraduate track supports eligible candidates seeking to pursue Master’s or PhD studies.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the applicable underlying eligibility requirements and provide the academic credentials required for their level of study.
For Master’s applicants:
- A first degree is required
- Statement of result or degree certificate must be available
For PhD applicants:
- A Master’s degree is required
- Relevant statement of result or degree certificate must be available
Postgraduate applicants must also:
- Have completed NYSC and possess their NYSC certificate
- Provide a Local Government Area letter of identification
- Meet the applicable state and other eligibility criteria
Requirements for Previous PAP Beneficiaries
Candidates who have previously benefited from the Presidential Amnesty Programme and are seeking further sponsorship are subject to additional conditions.
Returning PAP beneficiaries must possess:
- First Class; or
- Second Class Upper degree
The programme also states that sponsorship for repeat beneficiaries is discretionary and is not guaranteed.
This means meeting the academic requirement does not automatically entitle a previous beneficiary to another scholarship.
Scholarship Coverage
The PAP Scholarship is designed to provide support toward:
- Tuition
- Related educational expenses
Funding is intended to continue through the beneficiary’s programme provided the student continues to satisfy the programme’s academic and conduct requirements.
Applicants should rely on the scholarship award terms for the exact expenses and amounts applicable to their individual award.
Academic Performance Requirement
Beneficiaries must maintain satisfactory academic performance after receiving the scholarship.
The minimum stated requirement is:
- CGPA of at least 2.0 each academic session
Funding is reviewed each session. Falling below the required academic standard could affect continued sponsorship.
The programme may also withdraw an award in cases involving misconduct, false information or failure to comply with scholarship conditions.
Documents to Prepare
The documents required will depend on whether the applicant is applying for undergraduate or postgraduate funding.
Undergraduate applicants should prepare documents including:
- O’Level result
- 2026 UTME result/slip
- Local Government Area letter of identification
- Other documents requested during the online application
Postgraduate applicants should prepare relevant documents including:
- First-degree certificate or statement of result for Master’s applications
- Master’s degree certificate or statement of result for PhD applications
- NYSC certificate
- Local Government Area letter of identification
- Other supporting documents requested on the application portal
Applicants should ensure scanned documents are clear, accurate and consistent with the information entered in the application.
Application and Selection Process
The process involves four major stages:
- Check eligibility to ensure your state of origin, age, academic qualifications and other requirements correspond with the scholarship track you intend to apply for.
- Prepare the required documents before beginning the application.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents. Applicants should carefully review all information before submitting it.
- Applications will proceed through the programme’s selection process, after which successful candidates will be notified.
Applicants should avoid submitting inaccurate or unverifiable information, as false information can affect an application or scholarship award.
Important Conditions for Beneficiaries
Receiving the scholarship comes with continuing obligations. Beneficiaries are expected to:
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0
- Remain in good academic standing
- Comply with the programme’s rules
- Avoid academic or other misconduct
- Provide accurate and verifiable information
- Continue satisfying applicable scholarship conditions during each session
Funding is reviewed each academic session rather than being completely unconditional from admission through graduation.
Who Should Apply
The scholarship is particularly relevant for eligible Niger Delta students who:
- Need financial support to pursue tertiary education
- Are entering 100 level for the 2026/2027 session
- Sat for the 2026 UTME and already have their required results
- Hold the required O’Level qualifications
- Want to pursue Master’s or PhD studies and meet the postgraduate requirements
- Have the necessary documents available
- Are prepared to maintain the required academic performance throughout their programme
Application Deadline
Deadline: 21 August 2026.
Applicants should complete their applications before the deadline and avoid waiting until the final day, particularly because supporting documents must be uploaded and information should be carefully verified.