The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), is inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026.
The scholarship is designed to support eligible beneficiaries from the Niger Delta who want to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate education at approved institutions in Nigeria. Successful applicants may receive financial support toward tuition and other approved educational expenses, including living and book-related costs.
If you’re considering applying, this guide explains who can apply, the required documents, scholarship benefits, application process, and the deadline you need to know.
Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026 at a Glance
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Country | Nigeria |
| Eligible Applicants | Nigerians from eligible Niger Delta states |
| Study Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Eligible Institutions | Selected/approved Nigerian institutions |
| Benefits | Tuition and approved educational expenses, including living and book support |
| IELTS | Not required |
| Application Deadline | August 21, 2026 |
| Application Portal | Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship portal |
What Is the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship?
The Presidential Amnesty Scholarship is an education-support initiative under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The programme was established as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to support the reintegration and development of people associated with the Niger Delta amnesty process. Education and skills development form an important part of this effort.
Through the scholarship, eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance to pursue approved undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in selected Nigerian universities and other approved institutions.
For students who meet the eligibility requirements, the scholarship can reduce the financial pressure associated with higher education.
Who Can Apply for the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is not open to every Nigerian student. Applicants must meet the programme’s specific eligibility conditions.
For undergraduate applicants, you generally need to be an indigene of one of the eligible Niger Delta states and meet the academic and documentation requirements.
The eligible states listed for the 2026 application include:
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa
- Cross River
- Delta
- Edo
- Imo
- Ondo
- Rivers
Applicants should also make sure that their proposed course of study is included on the programme’s approved list.
Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Requirements for Undergraduates
To be considered for the undergraduate scholarship, applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. Be from an eligible Niger Delta state
You must be an indigene of one of the nine eligible states listed above.
2. Meet the age requirement
Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
3. Have a 2026 UTME result
Applicants should have sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and have their result available.
The scholarship also considers students who are already new entrants into a 100-level programme for the 2026/2027 academic session, subject to the programme’s conditions.
4. Have the required O’Level results
Applicants need an O’Level qualification such as WAEC or NECO with at least five credits, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
Applicants should have their results available when applying.
5. Provide proof of state and local government origin
A valid Local Government Area (LGA) identification letter is required as part of the application documentation.
6. Choose an approved course
The proposed course of study must be among the courses approved under the Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship.
Applicants should therefore confirm that their chosen programme qualifies before submitting an application.
7. Not be awaiting WAEC or NECO results
The listed 2026 requirements indicate that undergraduate applicants should not currently be awaiting their WAEC or NECO results.
Requirements for Postgraduate Applicants
The scholarship also provides opportunities for eligible postgraduate applicants.
In addition to meeting the relevant requirements for their state and programme, postgraduate applicants must provide evidence of their previous academic qualifications.
For Master’s applicants
Applicants for a Master’s programme should have:
- A completed first degree
- A degree certificate or statement of result
- Academic transcripts
- NYSC completion certificate
- LGA identification letter
For PhD applicants
Applicants for PhD programmes should have:
- A completed Master’s degree
- Master’s degree certificate or statement of result
- Relevant academic transcripts
- NYSC completion certificate
- LGA identification letter
Applicants should also ensure that their proposed postgraduate course is on the approved list.
Additional Conditions for Returning PAP Beneficiaries
Applicants who have previously benefited from the Presidential Amnesty Programme should pay particular attention to the additional conditions.
Returning beneficiaries are expected to have obtained at least a First Class or Second Class Upper degree.
However, sponsorship for repeat beneficiaries is not automatically guaranteed. The decision to provide further sponsorship is discretionary.
Some applicants may also be required to take part in a written test before an interview.
What Does the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries undertaking approved undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The support may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Book-related expenses
- Other approved educational expenses
The exact level and duration of support may depend on the programme, institution, applicant’s status and applicable Presidential Amnesty Programme conditions.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every expense will automatically be covered. Always check the official scholarship information and terms applicable to your application.
Documents Required for the 2026 Application
Before starting your application, prepare clear copies of the documents you may be required to submit.
Undergraduate applicants
You should have:
- Completed application form
- WAEC or NECO result showing at least five credits, including English and Mathematics
- 2026 JAMB/UTME result
- Local Government Area identification letter
- Other documents requested by the application portal
Postgraduate applicants
Postgraduate applicants should additionally prepare:
- First-degree certificate or statement of result
- First-degree transcript
- Master’s degree certificate or statement of result for PhD applicants
- Relevant postgraduate transcript
- NYSC certificate
- LGA identification letter
- Other documents requested during the application
Make sure your documents are accurate and readable. Providing false information or incorrect documents can affect your application.
How to Apply for the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026
The application process is completed online through the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s scholarship portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official application portal
Go to the Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship website:
Presidential Amnesty Programme Scholarship Portal
Step 2: Create an account or log in
If you’re applying for the first time, select the option to create an account.
Applicants who already have an account can log in using their existing credentials.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Enter your personal, educational and other requested information carefully.
Check your information before moving to the next stage.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload the required supporting documents in the format and size specified by the application portal.
Don’t upload blurry, incomplete or unrelated documents.
Step 5: Review your application
Before submitting, go through the entire application again.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- State and LGA information
- JAMB/UTME details
- Academic qualifications
- Course of study
- Contact information
Step 6: Submit the application
Once you’re satisfied that all the information is correct and the required documents have been uploaded, submit your application. Keep a copy or screenshot of your application details for your records.
For more details, click here. https://scholarship.osapnd.gov.ng/Home/Index
Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026 Deadline
The application deadline is August 21, 2026.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to apply. Technical issues, slow internet connections or problems uploading documents can delay an application.
If you’re eligible, it’s better to complete and submit your application as early as possible.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, keep these points in mind:
The scholarship is not for every Nigerian student. Eligibility is tied to the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s requirements and eligible Niger Delta states.
Your course must be approved. Before submitting an application, verify that your intended programme is included among the approved courses.
Your documents matter. Make sure your academic and identification documents are genuine, complete and readable.
Previous beneficiaries have additional conditions. If you’ve previously received PAP sponsorship, don’t assume that you will automatically receive another award.
Use the official portal. Avoid giving your personal information or documents to people claiming to process the scholarship on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship open to all Nigerians?
No. The scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, including conditions relating to applicants’ Niger Delta state of origin and academic status.
Which states are eligible for the scholarship?
The listed eligible states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Eligible undergraduate applicants can apply if they meet the age, academic, UTME, state-of-origin and other programme requirements.
Can Master’s and PhD students apply?
Yes. The 2026 scholarship also provides for eligible postgraduate applicants, subject to the programme’s requirements and approved courses.
Does the scholarship require IELTS?
No IELTS requirement is listed for this scholarship.
What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline for the 2026 Presidential Amnesty Scholarship is August 21, 2026.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship portal:
Apply for the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship 2026
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