AAU Ekpoma Governing Council Clears the Air on VC Selection Process, Refutes Alleged Fresh Exercise Directive

By Esosa Omorogbe 

The Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has dismissed insinuations suggesting that it has been directed by the Edo State Government to restart the process of appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

In a statement issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Media and Protocol, Otunba Michael Aladenika, the council insisted that the selection exercise it conducted remains valid, stressing that only petitions which emerged after the exercise are currently being reviewed.

According to the statement, the Governing Council, chaired by Chief Dan Osi Orbih, carried out the process strictly in line with the university’s extant laws. “The vacancy for the office of Vice-Chancellor was publicly advertised in three national dailies. Applications were received from across the country, and qualified candidates were invited for interviews.

“At the end of the rigorous exercise, three names were shortlisted by the Council, based strictly on merit, their qualifications and performance, and forwarded to the Governor for consideration.

“The Council’s recommendations were made in strict compliance with the extant laws setting up Ambrose Alli University, without bias or interference. Everything was done by the book. The law requires three names to be sent to the Governor, and that was exactly what the Council did,” the statement added.

Addressing the controversy that followed petitions filed after the interviews had been concluded, with some individuals questioning aspects of the process and the eligibility of certain candidates, the statement clarified: “This prompted the government, through the Secretary to the State Government, to write a letter dated July 30, 2025, to the Governing Council Chairman. The letter acknowledged receipt of the three recommended names, praised the process, but requested the Council to review the petitions and assess their validity. Contrary to what has been peddled on social media, the letter did not nullify the process or order a fresh selection.”

The statement further highlighted achievements of the Orbih-led Council, noting its bold steps in repositioning AAU, including the approval of the N70,000 minimum wage for staff, resolution of issues that had stalled medical and nursing students, and preparations for long-overdue convocation ceremonies.

Concluding, the statement stressed: “What is clear is that the process has not been cancelled. Instead, it remains on track, with the government and council working together to ensure that fairness, legality, and merit remain at the heart of the decision.”

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