The Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has responded to allegations contained in a viral podcast published on the Facebook account of Bob-Manuel Omobumhe Umoru, describing several of the claims concerning alleged financial impropriety and administrative misconduct against the Vice-Chancellor as inaccurate, misleading and unsupported by the University’s records.
In a statement issued on behalf of Management by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, the University said it would ordinarily not have responded to the podcast but considered it necessary to clarify the issues raised and correct what it described as erroneous impressions created about the institution and its leadership.
Aladenika said there is no conflict between the University Management and the Governing Council, contrary to the claim in the podcast, stressing that both organs continue to maintain a cordial working relationship in the overall interest of the University.
According to him, “several of the claims made in the podcast are inaccurate, misleading and unsupported by the records of the University.”
On the allegation concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s financial approval limit, Management acknowledged that the Governing Council reviewed and increased the Vice-Chancellor’s approval limit from ₦5 million to ₦10 million.
However, the University stated that “Management’s records show that the Vice-Chancellor has acted within the approval threshold authorised by the Governing Council in the award of contracts and execution of University projects.”
The University also rejected the allegation that the Dean of Students withdraws money from the Students’ Union Government (SUG) account.
Management explained that “students’ union dues are automatically separated from school fees through the Remita payment platform and paid directly into the SUG bank account without passing through the University Management.”
It added that “only officials duly authorised under the SUG Constitution are signatories to the account, while the Dean of Students performs an advisory and oversight role as provided by the Constitution. Neither the Vice-Chancellor nor the University Management has access to the SUG account.”
On the conduct of Students’ Union Government elections, Management said the electoral process is already underway, with an approved timetable released.
It noted that key stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the Students’ Electoral Committee (ELECOM) and other relevant bodies, met on August 6, 2026, and unanimously endorsed the deployment of logistics for the successful conduct of the elections.
Management also addressed the allegation that the Vice-Chancellor awarded contracts beyond her approval limit or awarded a ₦200 million contract for the printing of examination booklets to members of her family.
The University stated that “no such contract has been awarded.”
According to Management, “the proposal for the printing of examination booklets has gone through the appropriate procurement process and is still awaiting the approval of the Governing Council.”
It therefore described as incorrect the claim that a ₦200 million contract had already been awarded to family members of the Vice-Chancellor.
On the ₦1 billion bailout approved by the Edo State Government, the University confirmed that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, approved the intervention specifically to reduce the backlog of outstanding salary arrears owed to staff of the institution.
Management stated that the funds received were applied for that purpose.
The University also rejected the allegation that the Vice-Chancellor was imposed on the institution by the Edo State Government, describing the claim as unsupported by the records and established processes relating to her appointment.
While clarifying issues surrounding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Management said the University had received funds and applied them for the benefit of 1,687 eligible students.
The University explained that “students who had paid their school fees before the approval of their NELFUND applications have already been refunded accordingly.”
It further stated that “while the University recorded only about 200 beneficiaries during the 2024/2025 academic session, the current figure of 1,687 beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 academic session represents a remarkable increase in students’ participation in the scheme.”
Management also dismissed the allegation that the Vice-Chancellor unilaterally closed the Part-Time Programme and the Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies.
According to the University, both decisions were taken by the University Senate in accordance with its statutory academic responsibilities and were not unilateral decisions by the Vice-Chancellor.
The University further addressed allegations surrounding its migration from the KOFA platform to SchoolTry.
Management explained that the previous portal arrangement ended following the expiration of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), necessitating the engagement of a new service provider.
“SchoolTry was introduced to the University through an alumnus and, following an evaluation of its proposal, the terms offered were found to be more favourable than those under the previous arrangement. The decision to engage the company was therefore informed by the University’s need for a more efficient and sustainable ICT platform,” Management stated.
The University categorically denied that ₦500 million was paid to SchoolTry for its engagement, describing the claim as incorrect.
Management urged members of the public, particularly commentators on social media and other public platforms, to verify information with the appropriate authorities before presenting allegations as established facts.
It acknowledged that individuals have the right to raise questions and express concerns about the administration of a public institution but maintained that such engagements are better served when based on accurate and verifiable information.
The University reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, stating: “Ambrose Alli University remains committed to transparency, accountability, due process and the responsible management of public resources. The University will continue to work with the Governing Council and other stakeholders to sustain peace, stability and academic excellence within the institution.”