FG offers scholarship to 36 Niger Delta youth to study in U.S.

Published:August 9,2013

The youth will study different courses at the University of Alabama.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, said on Friday that 36 youth had been enrolled for formal education in the University of Alabama, in the U.S.

Mr. Kuku made the disclosure at the Offshore Orientation and Departure Programme, organised for the beneficiaries in Abuja.

The beneficiaries are the latest group of participants in the scholarship scheme, being organised for youth in the Niger Delta.

The beneficiaries were enrolled to study Computer Science, Physical Therapy, Political Science, Pharmacy, Criminology, and Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.

Other courses are Business Management, Communications Technology, Elementary Education/Teaching, Biology/Biological Science, Medicine, Accounting, Banking/Financial Support Services, Economics, Sociology, Forensic Chemistry and Engineering.

Mr. Kuku, who was represented by the Head of Reintegration Department, Larry Pepple, said the purpose was to build the capacity of youths in the Niger Delta.

The presidential aide urged the beneficiaries to “do exploits’’ while pursuing their educational career.

“Do exploits so that we will celebrate you. The only way to achieve that is through hard work,” he said.

He said the beneficiaries were given scholarships because their communities were affected by militancy and oil exploration.

Mologe Freeman, the Head, Post Training in the Office of the Special Adviser, urged the beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the laws of the host country.

Mr. Freeman also urged them to desist from committing crimes, drug addiction and associating with bad elements.

“These vices can derail your educational programme,’’ he stated.

The Chief Security Officer of the office, Lt.-Col. Adewale Adekoya, urged the beneficiaries not to possess arms and ammunition or other dangerous weapon.

Mr. Adekoya said the beneficiaries must not plan or incite others to riot and should desist from causing obstruction to the activities of the university.

(NAN)