Niger Delta youth earn UK scholarships

Abuja - The Federal Government has offered scholarships to 35 youth from the Niger Delta.

Head of Reintegration Department in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Larry Pepple, said the scholarships were for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in universities in the United Kingdom.

A total of 31 youth from Itsekiri and four from Ijaw are the latest group of beneficiaries of the scheme offered by his office.

Speaking at the Offshore Orientation and Departure Programme organised for the beneficiaries, he said the purpose was to develop the capacity of youths in the area.

The presidential aide urged the beneficiaries to behave well while pursuing their studies. 

He said the beneficiaries got the scholarship because their communities were affected by militancy and oil exploration.     
                                         
Eugene Abels, Head of Education Unit in the Office, urged the beneficiaries to always save some money to avoid hardship in the event of delay in the payment of their stipends.

The Office is responsible for their tuition fees and stipends.

Abels urged them to adhere strictly to the laws of their host country.