Itsekiri youths fault PAP over 2026 scholarship list

Itsekiri youths have raised serious concerns over alleged ethnic bias in the 2026 Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) scholarship list, accusing its coordinators of systematically excluding members of their community. The National Leadership of the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) has publicly criticized the program, stating that no Itsekiri names appear on the scholarship list despite the group's historical contributions to national development. The accusation comes amid growing tensions in the Niger Delta region, which has long been marked by disputes over resource allocation and political representation. According to a statement released by the INYC, the organization has confirmed that the 2026 scholarship list has already been submitted to private universities across Nigeria, yet none of the selected beneficiaries belong to the Itsekiri ethnic group. The INYC claims that the selection process appears to be predetermined, with no public applications being accepted from interested candidates. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of ethnic favoritism and a lack of transparency in the program's operations. Tuoyo Ebigbeyi, Public Relations Officer of the INYC, called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene immediately. In the statement, Ebigbeyi emphasized that the exclusion of Itsekiri youths from the scholarship list constitutes an injustice that could threaten regional stability. He urged the NSA to warn the coordinator of the PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to abandon any perceived ethnic bias and ensure equitable treatment of all groups in future scholarship allocations. The INYC further stated that the denial of educational opportunities to any ethnic group could lead to avoidable crises. They highlighted the Itsekiri people's longstanding contributions to national development and insisted that they deserve fair treatment under such programs. The organization specifically requested the immediate review of the 2026 scholarship list to include Itsekiri beneficiaries and called for a more transparent and ethnically balanced selection process moving forward. The controversy surrounding the PAP scholarship list has sparked discussions about the broader implications for interethnic relations in the Niger Delta. The INYC has maintained that the issue goes beyond mere exclusion from a scholarship program, it reflects deeper systemic challenges related to equity and representation. By demanding intervention from high-level officials, the INYC seeks to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and addressed within national policy frameworks. The situation has placed pressure on the National Security Adviser to act decisively. While the NSA has not yet responded formally to the allegations, the INYC has reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution of the dispute. However, it has warned that silence in the face of perceived injustice could escalate tensions in the region. The INYC's stance underscores the importance of addressing grievances through formal channels rather than resorting to unrest or conflict. The PAP, established to provide education and livelihood support to individuals affected by oil-related activities in the Niger Delta, has faced scrutiny in the past over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Critics argue that the program often fails to deliver on its promises due to opaque processes and preferential treatment of certain ethnic groups. The current controversy adds another layer of complexity to these ongoing debates, raising questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the program's implementation. As the INYC awaits a response from the National Security Adviser, the focus remains on ensuring that the scholarship list is reviewed and that the Itsekiri community receives its rightful share of opportunities. The outcome of this situation could influence how similar issues are handled in the future, particularly regarding the inclusion of marginalized groups in national development initiatives.