AAU Ekpoma: Unmasking the Truth Behind Jaundiced Reports

By Nosa Ekhator

The management of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma has responded to a recent online publication that has been consistently publishing biased reports about the institution. 

In a statement issued in Ekpoma, the university's management revealed that they have identified the online platform, previously known as Trojan, now masquerading as Standard Press.

According to the management, the platform's change in name has not altered its intention to tarnish the university's image. The university believes that the reading public is tired of the platform's penchant for fiction and unprofessional journalism practices.

However, the management felt compelled to address the latest publication due to concerns about the security of life and property of staff and students. 

The Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, dismissed the publication's claims as fictitious and disconnected from reality. He noted that the consistent calls for a change of guard in the university's administration, particularly targeting the management headed by Prof. S.O. Samuel, suggest a hidden agenda.

Aladenika insinuated that the platform's publications may be motivated by a personal interest in the office, rather than a genuine concern for the university's well-being. He questioned the platform's credibility, pointing out that the consistent change of names (from Trojan to Standard Press) raises suspicions about the true intentions of the publishers.

Regarding the recent discovery of a decomposing corpse on campus, Otunba Mike Aladenika stated that while the management is refraining from commenting on the matter to avoid interfering with the ongoing police investigation, it is crucial to note that the identity of the corpse remains unknown. Aladenika questioned the motives behind the calls for a change of guard in the university's administration, given the circumstances.

Aladenika has appealed to the publishers of Standard Press to assist security agencies in uncovering the truth behind the discovery. The university is committed to ensuring the safety of its community and resolving the mystery.

Highlighting the university's achievements under Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel's leadership, Aladenika noted that the institution has enjoyed relative peace, thanks to divine intervention, the support of Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the policies of the Governing Council led by High Chief Dan Orbih. He also mentioned significant improvements, including a substantial increase in the university's monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, courtesy of the state governor. This increase has enabled the university to address some of the financial backlog inherited from previous administrations.

"The university's administration, under the leadership of Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel, has achieved significant milestones, Key highlights include the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000, and reinstatement of politically sacked staff as directed by the

 Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

"All staff members who were removed from the payroll due to the controversial biometric exercise conducted by the defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) have been reinstated. 

The university has also made strides in international collaboration. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel, attended the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference in Tianjin, China, where Ambrose Alli University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology (JLICT) and Mutual Commitment Company Limited. The MoU includes student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, internships, and seminars, poised to enhance academic opportunities, transfer technology, and provide scholarships, said Aladenika 

"The university's administration has made notable progress in resolving long-standing issues. Thousands of graduates who previously faced challenges with blocked JAMB profiles or regularization issues can now participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The university's Senate has also approved a policy to enhance efficiency in handling certificates and transcripts, ensuring that all graduates receive their certificates immediately after graduation.

Other achievements include the resolution of missing results, effective from the 2023/2024 session, and the lifting of the TETFund ban, allowing staff to access funding for academic development. The university has also made significant strides in resolving inherited challenges in the College of Medicine, including the successful swearing-in of medical doctors and induction of nurses.

The university's management has also approved the promotion of 57 staff to Professor and 56 to Associate Professor, and released promotions for all categories of staff. Research output has improved, with several academic staff securing TETFund research grants and the university hosting regular research workshops.

Additionally, the university has successfully concluded the 2022/2023 academic session of the Directorate of Science and Humanities (Part-Time) and commenced the first semester examinations for the 2024/2025 session without disruption, reflecting a stable and efficiently managed academic calendar."

The Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, commended the achievements of Prof. S.O. Samuel's management team, stating that they deserve recognition and support. He urged the state government, stakeholders, and the public to disregard the malicious publication and instead support Governor Monday Okpebholo's efforts to elevate the institution to greater heights.

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