…….medicine department restored
By Lucky Isibor
Authorities of the Edo State owned Ambrose Alli University, (AAU), Ekpoma has stated that the increase of the institution’s monthly allocation from N41Million to N500 Million by the Governor Monday Okpebholo led administration has restored the lost glory of the foremost state university in Nigeria, noting that a lot has been achieved since the emergence of Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Otunba Mike Aladenika who stated this while addressing journalists in Benin City on Monday, 7 July, pointed out that all the departments that were hitherto prevented from admitting fresh students as a result of failure to meet accreditation requirements by professional and regulatory agencies, including Medicine, have been given the nod to admit fresh students, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year.
Aladenika berated an unnamed online news medium which he said allegedly reported that there was a recent protest by the university students protesting over staff-related issues, such as staff audit and sitting allowances for Governing Council members, leading to the shutting of the university’s gate.
While clarifying a recent gathering of part time students at the university’s gate demanding clarifications on their course of study the University P. R.O pointed out that the students on getting the true position of things left peacefully, noting that the same elements now using gorilla media war in an attempt to de-market the university were the same elements that stoked the emergence of the Special Intervention Team (SIT) that rendered the institution prostrate in the past eight years.
“The facts are that a gathering was held at the university gate, where part-time students from the Directorate of Sciences and Humanities (DSH) sought clarification on their course of study. The university management promptly responded to their concerns, providing further information and assurances that satisfied the students. There was no protest that warranted tension in the university, contrary to the erroneous report.”
While enumerating the various steps the current management team of the University has taken to mainstream the part time students on the path of academic excellence, Aladenika stated that the university has settled all unpaid claims of part-time lecturers among other issues.
“For clarity, the current administration, led by Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, inherited a dormant part-time program with significant challenges, including a backlog of un-cleared claims, examinations, and other issues. These challenges were largely due to poor government funding over the past eight years and restrictive policies imposed by the previous Special Intervention Team (SIT). Despite these challenges, the current administration has made notable progress in revitalizing the program.The Directorate of Sciences and Humanities (DSH) has seen significant improvements under Prof. Samuel’s leadership. After an 11-month delay, the 2022/2023 first semester lectures commenced in March 2024 and concluded with examinations in January 2025. The second semester lectures ran from February 26 to May 2, 2025, paving the way for the new academic session.The administration has achieved notable milestones, including securing JAMB registration numbers and admission letters for DSH students. Efforts are underway to enable DSH graduands participate in the NYSC program, similar to their full-time counterparts. The university is currently advertising admissions for the 2024/2025 academic session, and the response from interested candidates has been encouraging.
“In addition, the part-time students’ results have seen significant progress. Following the new result release policy, the Computer-Based Examinations (CBEs) for 100 Level students of the Directorate of Science and Humanities were processed and released within one week. All results for the 2023/2024 academic session are now available online, enabling students to access their academic standing and proceed with accurate course registration for the new session.Furthermore, the university has made unprecedented progress in processing results. Final-year students’ results are being computed, and once departmental boards of studies review and approve the results, they will be presented to the Senate for approval.
“However, we find it worrisome that an online platform claimed students protested over staff-related issues, such as staff audit and sitting allowances for Governing Council members. This suggests that unseen hands of staff members might have been behind the alleged ‘student protest’, which deviated from genuine student concerns.At this juncture, I believe we’ve sufficiently addressed the motivations behind the recent media attacks on our university. Clearly, the intention is to tarnish our institution’s reputation”.
While commending Governor Okpebholo for increasing the monthly allocation to the university from N41Million to N500 Million Naira, the P. R. O enumerated the achievements of the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel to include the clearing of the backlog of induction of Medical and Nursing graduands of the University amongst others.
“The university’s resurgence can be attributed to several factors, including:- Increased Funding: Governor Okpebholo’s administration has significantly increased the monthly allocation to the university, from ₦41 million to ₦500 million-
“I’m pleased to report that Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma is currently enjoying relative peace, with no further protests or gate closures. This stability is attributed to divine providence, the effective leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, the cooperation and understanding from staff, unions, and students, and most notably, the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.Our College of Medicine faced significant challenges in the past, including a suspension of admissions and delayed graduations due to over-admission. This led to students taking up to 10 years or more to complete their 5 or 6-year courses. However, with the leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, the college has made remarkable progress. We’ve successfully graduated medical students in batches, inducted over 800 nursing graduates, and nearly resolved MLS issues.
“Most importantly, relevant regulatory bodies have given us consent to admit students into all programs in the college. This marks a new era of growth and opportunity for our institution. The Law Faculty at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has indeed made a remarkable comeback. After facing the threat of de-accreditation, the faculty has regained its former glory, thanks to the diligent management, support of the Governing Council, and backing of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
“Overall, the Law Faculty’s achievements demonstrate the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its determination to regain its position as a leading institution.
The Law Faculty’s achievements include:National Title Holder. Currently holding the national title in the Law Moot Court Competition, Securing the runner-up position in the African Law Moot Court Competition.
“Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma has introduced a new era in results processing, ensuring students graduate on time. Here’s what’s changing- Single Batch Result Release: Each department will release results in a single batch, eliminating delay caused by missing results and multiple submissions. IRMS Form Affirmations: Academic staff will submit affirmations through the IRMS form, confirming no registered student has missing results.- Provisional Results Vetting: Provisional results have been forwarded to 34 departments for vetting, with remaining departments expected to release results by July 8, 2025.This reform aims to:- End Delays: Abolish the era where qualified students face delays due to multiple batch systems.- Streamline Graduation: Ensure students graduate within the stipulated timeframe, except in cases of individual fault. By implementing these changes, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma demonstrates its commitment to improving academic processes and student experience. Beyond the faculties and departments sourcing alternative power supplies, the state government has announced plans to provide a 1.5-megawatt alternative power supply to support all sectors of our main campus. Additionally, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will be installing a solar plant, a testament to our university’s prominence in the South-South region. Notably, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma is the sole beneficiary of this initiative in the region.Furthermore, we’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese university, paving the way for technology transfer and exchange programs. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our academic and research capabilities, solidifying our position as a leading institution.”