By Lucky Isibor
The recent narrative painting the current university leadership as “uncoordinated” or “highhanded” is not only a gross distortion of the facts but a deliberate attempt to shield administrative lawlessness and incompetence While critics speak of a “departure from stability,” they conveniently ignore the decisive steps taken by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omonzejie, to sanitize a system burdened by insubordination and procedural breaches.
To provide clarity to the public and the university community, a press crew made up of seasoned investigative journalists embarked on a fact finding mission, and the following facts were revealed:
1. The Removal of the Former Bursar*
The removal of the former Bursar was not an act of “enmity” but a necessary intervention by the Visitor of the University (the Governor). This action followed the Bursar’s inexplicable refusal to pay staff salaries for March and owed arrears, despite receiving the requisite approval from the Vice-Chancellor. The governor viewed this failure as a peak of incompetence and a direct affront to the welfare of the university workforce.
Furthermore, the former Bursar’s subsequent actions have bordered on sabotage:
Defiance of Authority: He has failed and refused to hand over to the newly deployed Acting Bursar, Dr. Taiwo Agbaje, despite direct instructions from the governor.
Operational Stalling : By locking the bursary office and denying access, he has intentionally stalled university operations, holding the institution’s progress hostage.
Legal Irregularity: It is pertinent to note that the former Bursar’s initial appointment was made without recourse to the University Law or extant Regulations—a fundamental flaw that triggered protests by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the Council.
2. The Registrar’s Procedural Breaches
The “highhandedness” alleged against the Vice-Chancellor is, in reality, a firm insistence on the rule of law. The Registrar recently faced a formal query for significant administrative lapses, including:
Unlawful Job Advertisements: Causing a vacancy for a “Director of Procurement” to be published in the Vanguard (April 3rd). This office is non-existent under the University’s enabling law and regulations.
Insubordination: The Registrar bypassed the Vice-Chancellor’s office entirely in this process, violating the statutory obligation to report daily operations to the VC.
3.A Commitment to Integrity:
It was further revealed that the Vice-Chancellor maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and the abuse of office. Far from being a “sole administrator,” The Vice-Chancellor working tirelessly to ensure that the Governor’s magnanimity toward the institution is not squandered by individuals who believe they are above the law.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, remains focused on restoring order, upholding the University’s statutes, and ensuring that the institution reclaims its place of pride as a centre of academic and administrative excellence The “can of worms” being threatened is nothing more than a distraction from the accountability now being demanded of those who have long operated outside the rules. Prof. Omonzejie is focused, resilient, and in serious alignment with the “Shine Agenda” of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration, and no campaign of calumny will distract her from delivering on the mandate of her office. The atmosphere in the university remains boisterous as staff appreciates the payment of salaries and arrears.
In a related development, the Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, dismissed reports alleging a crisis within the institution, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, the University said its attention was drawn to a publication circulating on social media which painted a picture of administrative instability.
The Management, however, maintained that the report was “a product of wild imagination” and does not reflect the true situation in the University.
According to the statement, there is no form of crisis in AAU, stressing that the institution remains stable and committed to its mandate of academic excellence, research, and community service.
It further noted that the University’s leadership, under the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, continues to work in harmony with principal officers and staff to sustain ongoing reforms and development efforts.
The Management also clarified that the redeployment of the former Bursar by the Edo State Government was a routine administrative measure aimed at strengthening the University’s operational efficiency. It explained that the move forms part of broader efforts by the government to reposition the institution for improved performance, adding that while the affected officer reserves the right to seek legal redress, such action does not constitute a crisis within the University.
Addressing claims of internal conflict, the statement dismissed suggestions of a rift between the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers, including the Registrar. It described such insinuations as misinterpretations of normal administrative procedures, noting that professional engagements and differing opinions are standard practices in academic institutions and are managed through established channels.
The University Management reaffirmed its commitment to the vision of the Edo State Government for the growth and transformation of AAU, emphasizing that the institution remains focused and on course.
It urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard the publication and continue to support efforts aimed at advancing the University’s development.