...In a chilling development that has rocked the Nigerian higher education community, a presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) scholarship beneficiary has tragically lost her life in an hotel room amid failed leadership and neglect from the very authorities responsible for her welfare.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has been rocked by the tragic death of Miss Favor Benema Godswill, a 100-level business administration student at Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State. The young woman was found lifeless in a hotel room on the 20th of June 2025, an incident that has stirred outrage and suspicion amid the growing allegations against the programme’s leadership, particularly its administrator, Dennis Otuaro.

Miss Favor, a beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty scholarship, had been among the new wave of students inaugurated into the scheme since November 2024. Instead of being supported as promised, she faced an agonizing seven months of neglect—specifically, the withholding of her training allowance meant to sustain her living expenses while studying. The lack of financial support has left many students in a state of despair, forcing them to resort to unthinkable measures simply to survive.

Sources reveal that the delay in disbursing these vital funds, directly attributable to Otuaro's mismanagement, has led to severe hardship among the beneficiaries. Many are now grappling with hunger and despair, some engaging in risky relationships and other means to meet their basic needs. The situation has reached a breaking point, with the tragic death of Favor believed to be a consequence of this neglect.

According to insiders, Favor had traveled to the hotel accompanied by a university staff member—possibly a predator—who, according to close friends, may have attempted to exploit her. This raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable students, further compounding Otuaro's failure to oversee the welfare of those under his charge. The unfortunate incident has sparked demands for justice, with local leaders and student organizations calling for a thorough investigation.

Comr. Lawoni Dumofaye, Chairman of the Egbema Clan IYC, expressed deep sorrow over Favor's death, condemning the ongoing neglect and urging authorities to hold the responsible individuals accountable. "We're calling on the leadership of this platform to use their good offices to bring the culprit to book," he stated. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the woman involved and the hotel manager are currently in police custody in Edo State, as investigations continue.

The university responded to the tragic event with a statement signed by Registrar Friday Benji Bakare, calling for calm among students and assuring that investigations are ongoing. However, the mounting frustration among students is palpable, with many accusing Dennis Otuaro of gross mismanagement and opportunism. Since assuming leadership of the scheme, Otuaro has been accused of moving from one social event to another, allegedly misappropriating over 100 billion naira allocated to the programme.

Instead of focusing on the welfare of the vulnerable youths in the scheme, Otuaro’s leadership has been marred by accusations of financial mismanagement and neglect. Beneficiaries and their families now question the integrity of the entire programme, which is meant to serve as a lifeline for ex-militants and other beneficiaries of Amnesty. The lack of transparency and the ongoing failure to pay allowances has created a crisis that appears far from resolution.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and proper administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. As the nation mourns Favor Benema Godswill, the shadows of misrule cast by Dennis Otuaro threaten to deepen the suffering of countless students across Nigeria, who are already fighting to stay afloat amid systemic neglect and leadership failure.