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The Presidential Amnesty Office has threatened to expel ex-militant students who foment trouble or perform poorly in their studies while on Federal Government scholarship.
Head of Education in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Major H. K Mowarin (rtd.), while on a visit to Amnesty students of Ritman University at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State on 14th July, 2017, stressed that while government was under obligation to pay fees and allowances of benefitting students, the ex-militants must pay back in kind by posting excellent academic performances and not flout school rules through unruly behaviour. Otherwise, they would be kicked out of the programme for more serious Niger Delta youths to take the opportunity.
Major Mowarin commended Ritman University for accepting to train the students without insisting on prior payment of their fees. He noted that the university’s magnanimity in accepting the students on credit made it possible for their education not to be delayed while the government is working towards paying their fees.
He said the purpose of their visit to Amnesty students in Ritman University and other institutions was to document beneficiaries and ensure they are properly listed in the database, adding that verification and documentation would eliminate sharp practices such as students’ names appearing in more than one school at a time, or those who have graduated continue to benefit from scholarship funds.
On procurement of laptops to students on the programme, Major Mowarin said the increased exchange rate of Dollar to the Naira has tripled the cost of laptops, thus making it difficult to procure computers for present Amnesty students as was done in the past. He explained that since budgetary allocation for the programme has not increased to accommodate system purchases at higher costs, students should bear with the government in that regard so that more Niger Deltans would be accommodated in the programme. He promised that feeding and book allowances will soon be paid to the students.
Proprietor of Ritman University, Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, advised the students to use this scholarship opportunity well and make something good out of their lives. He noted that preparation for leadership begins from the school days, hence, students should work hard, learn leadership virtues and thus prepare themselves to become occupiers of important leadership positions in the future.
