Link to Federal Government Scholarship Portal

Scholarship Provider: Federal Government of Nigeria
Programme Title: Presidential Amnesty 2025 Scholarship Programme
Location: Nigeria (Selected Tertiary Institutions)

Programme Overview

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), established by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is offering fully funded scholarships to qualified and deserving candidates. This scholarship scheme is part of the government’s wider reintegration efforts for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region. Through this opportunity, selected individuals will gain access to quality tertiary education in recognized and accredited institutions across Nigeria.

The programme is designed to empower beneficiaries with the education and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to society. It also seeks to promote peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta by creating educational pathways for former militants. Beneficiaries will receive full financial support covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic-related expenses.

Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a genuine commitment to academic excellence will be selected. All scholarship recipients must study in institutions approved by the PAP and must maintain good academic standing throughout the duration of their programme. This scholarship aims to transform lives and promote long-term peace in the region by investing in human capital development.

Interested applicants are encouraged to follow the application guidelines strictly and submit all required documents within the stipulated timeframe. The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to reaffirm its dedication to building a better future for the youth of the Niger Delta through education and empowerment.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Registered beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme
Individuals from Niger Delta states
Candidates with completed basic/vocational training under PAP
Persons demonstrating commitment to peacebuilding and regional development

Scholarship Coverage

Awardees will receive:

Full tuition for approved Nigerian universities/polytechnics
Monthly living stipends
Provision of textbooks and study materials
Mentorship and academic support
Access to leadership and career development programs

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

To qualify for the fully funded Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) scholarship, applicants must meet several important requirements. First and foremost, every applicant must be a verified beneficiary of the PAP initiative. This verification confirms that the candidate is part of the Federal Government’s reintegration programme specifically created to support ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region. Candidates without this verification will not be considered for the scholarship.

In addition to verification, applicants must show strong academic readiness. A minimum of five credits in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB is required. These credits must include English Language and Mathematics, which are core subjects. Candidates who do not meet this academic requirement will be disqualified, regardless of their PAP status. The scholarship targets those who have demonstrated the basic academic competence needed to thrive in a tertiary institution.

Applicants must also submit either a birth certificate or a sworn age declaration. This document confirms the applicant’s age and is crucial for identity validation during the selection process. Only original or certified copies of these documents will be accepted. In addition, all applicants must provide a certificate of origin or a proof of indigene status. This proof must confirm that the applicant hails from a Niger Delta oil-producing state, as the scholarship is specifically designed to support youths from this region.

Physical and mental fitness is another critical requirement. All candidates must be medically and mentally fit to undergo the rigours of higher education. Medical fitness must be certified by a recognized hospital or clinic. The PAP Secretariat reserves the right to verify all submitted documents and reports. Only applicants who meet this standard will be allowed to continue with the selection process. This condition ensures that beneficiaries are fully able to benefit from the academic opportunity without health-related setbacks.

Lastly, the scholarship is intended for candidates who display a clear motivation for academic success and personal discipline. This means applicants must be committed to studying full-time and completing their academic programme within the stipulated duration. They must also demonstrate good behaviour, time management skills, and a drive to use education as a tool for personal and community transformation. The PAP team will consider these traits when reviewing applications and conducting interviews or tests, if applicable.

Application Closing Date

To be announced (limited spaces available). Apply early!

How to Apply

Visit the official application portal and complete your application:
https://scholarship.osapnd.gov.ng/

To apply for the fully funded Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates must carefully follow the steps outlined by the PAP Secretariat. The first step in the application process is to visit the official PAP scholarship application portal. On this website, applicants will find the online registration form, which must be completed with accurate and truthful information. It is very important to use correct spellings, consistent contact details, and verified biodata when filling out the form, as any mismatch in information could lead to automatic disqualification.

Once the online form is filled, candidates will be required to upload scanned copies of all mandatory supporting documents. These documents include academic qualifications such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, showing at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. These results must be clear and legible, and must not be tampered with. If possible, candidates should also attach any official scratch card required to verify their WAEC or NECO result online, as this may be used for screening later.

In addition to academic certificates, applicants must also upload a valid birth certificate or age declaration document. This confirms the applicant’s age and identity. The document must be officially recognized and issued by a competent authority such as the National Population Commission or a High Court of record. A copy of your PAP ID or Amnesty identification slip must also be uploaded. This document proves that the applicant is a verified beneficiary of the PAP initiative, which is a non-negotiable eligibility requirement.

Candidates are also expected to upload proof of indigene status or certificate of origin, clearly stating that they are from a Niger Delta oil-producing state. This certificate must be signed and sealed by a recognized traditional leader, local government authority, or appropriate state agency. The PAP Secretariat may later contact state governments or local authorities to confirm the authenticity of each indigene certificate submitted, so all documents must be genuine.

Once all necessary documents have been uploaded and the online form has been reviewed for completeness, the candidate should proceed to submit the application form through the official portal. Upon submission, applicants are advised to keep a screenshot or printout of the confirmation page for future reference. This will serve as a proof of submission and may be useful during screening or if follow-up communication is required.

After submission, applicants should await official confirmation or notification from the PAP office. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and complete their submissions correctly will be contacted for the next stage of the scholarship selection process. This may include document verification, academic screening, medical checks, or interview, depending on the PAP’s current procedures.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to keep their phone numbers and email addresses active, as this is how the PAP team will communicate with shortlisted candidates. Failure to respond promptly to screening invitations or verification requests may lead to disqualification. Therefore, all candidates should monitor their SMS inbox, email folders (including spam or promotions), and stay updated by checking the PAP website or social media channels for announcements.

The entire application process is free of charge, and applicants should be cautious of any individual or agent requesting payment in exchange for forms, processing, or placement. All information and updates regarding the scholarship will be posted directly on the official PAP channels. Candidates should rely solely on these sources to avoid misinformation or scams. With diligence, honesty, and careful attention to instructions, eligible applicants have a strong chance of being selected for this life-changing educational opportunity.

Tips to Secure This Scholarship

Applicants are strongly advised to use clear and properly scanned copies of all required documents when applying for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Scholarship. Blurry or unreadable scans may result in automatic disqualification during the document verification stage. Each document should be scanned in color and saved in widely accepted formats such as PDF or JPEG. Documents must also be named properly, such as “WAEC_Certificate_YourName” or “Birth_Certificate_YourName”, to avoid confusion. Before uploading, candidates should review the scanned copies to ensure that no part of the document is cut off or missing. If using a mobile phone, applicants should consider using mobile scanning apps that allow document edge detection and cropping to improve clarity. These apps often offer higher quality than simple camera photos and help maintain document professionalism.

Another crucial part of the PAP Scholarship application is the submission of a concise personal statement. This is a short written explanation of your academic goals, personal motivation, and reasons for applying. Applicants should clearly explain how the scholarship will benefit their future, how it supports their reintegration and development journey, and why they deserve to be considered. The tone should be sincere and professional. It is advisable to limit the statement to one page or 300–400 words. Avoid copying samples from the internet or using AI-generated text. Instead, write in your own voice. Emphasize traits like discipline, willingness to learn, and gratitude for the opportunity.

To improve your chances of success, it is important to apply early. Waiting until the final days of the deadline increases the risk of experiencing technical errors or server delays, which are common with large government application portals. Applying early also gives room to correct any mistakes or re-upload missing documents if prompted by the system. If you are unsure about any part of the application, applying early gives you time to seek clarification from the PAP Helpdesk or support lines, if available. Do not rush. Set aside enough time to complete each part of the application properly.

In addition, applicants should make it a habit to monitor official PAP announcements. Updates are typically released through the PAP’s verified official website and its authenticated social media channels. These platforms are the most reliable sources of information regarding application status, screening dates, shortlisted candidates, and next steps. Avoid relying on third-party blogs or unofficial WhatsApp broadcasts, as they may spread misinformation. Follow the official PAP Facebook page, Twitter (X) account, or LinkedIn profile to stay informed. You may also sign up for newsletters or SMS alerts if the portal allows it. Always double-check that links are secure and from official domains.

Staying informed, prepared, and proactive throughout the application process is essential for success. Applicants who apply early, submit complete documents, and write strong personal statements stand out from the crowd. Those who also stay updated via official sources avoid costly mistakes and missed deadlines. By taking these simple but effective steps, eligible candidates can significantly improve their chances of being selected for this valuable scholarship opportunity. Consistency, clarity, and honesty are key traits that the PAP considers when reviewing applications.

It is important for all applicants to understand that only verified beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) are eligible to apply for this scholarship opportunity. This means that only individuals who have been officially documented, screened, and approved under the Amnesty Programme are allowed to participate. If you have not been enrolled in the PAP initiative, your application will not be reviewed or considered, regardless of other qualifications or academic records. This eligibility condition is strict and non-negotiable.

The PAP scholarship is designed specifically to support the reintegration of former agitators and youths from the Niger Delta region, who were impacted by the crisis in the oil-producing areas. As such, this programme does not extend to applicants from other regions or those who are not part of the Amnesty Programme. It is not a general scholarship scheme open to all Nigerians. Its aim is to improve the lives of a select group of individuals whose inclusion has already been approved by the Federal Government through the Amnesty Office.

Applicants must have their Amnesty identification number or code readily available, as this is part of the verification process. Any attempt to falsify PAP identity or impersonate a beneficiary will result in disqualification and possible legal action. Applicants who are not sure of their PAP status should contact the Amnesty Office for clarification before beginning the application process. Submitting documents without proper eligibility may lead to permanent blacklisting from future PAP opportunities.

All applications will undergo strict background checks. The Amnesty Office has access to a comprehensive list of beneficiaries and will cross-check all entries submitted. This process ensures that only those who have gone through the initial PAP registration and training phases are eligible. Therefore, non-beneficiaries should not waste time or resources applying. Their applications will be discarded during the screening stage.

It is also worth noting that this scholarship is not open to individuals who are merely from the Niger Delta without being part of the PAP. Origin alone is not enough. You must be a registered and approved Amnesty beneficiary. Even if you are from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, or other oil-producing states, you are not eligible unless you are listed in the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s official records. The programme is exclusive to those who have already completed the required PAP orientation or empowerment steps.

All applicants are reminded to read the eligibility conditions carefully. Do not rely on hearsay or social media posts. Always visit the official PAP website or contact recognized officials for updates. If you are not eligible, please do not attempt to bypass the system. The selection committee takes every step seriously and will disqualify ineligible entries without appeal.

In summary, if you are not a confirmed Amnesty Programme beneficiary from the Niger Delta, do not apply for this scholarship. This rule protects the integrity and focus of the programme. It ensures that funds and opportunities reach the rightful individuals who are part of the reintegration and rehabilitation process. Respect this guideline and help maintain fairness in the system for those it was created to support.