By Nosa Ekhator
The management of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma has taken note of a recent public statement by former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, lamenting his inability to grow the university and other state institutions during his tenure.
In a statement issued in Ekpoma, the university management expressed disappointment, saying, "It is a betrayal of trust and dereliction of duty for an executive governor who served for eight years and wielded significant influence for another eight years to identify a perceived error in a state-owned university and treat it with levity."
According to Otunba Mike Aladenika, Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, records show that when Obaseki assumed office, he inherited a thriving university with notable achievements. These included awards in Law and Humanities, a baseline monthly subvention of over N270 million, consistent annual enrollment of over 8,000 students, and a ranking among Nigeria's top 12 universities."
"It is unfortunate and unacceptable that as the executive governor and the chief executive officer, as well as the visitor of the university, to have identified anomalies but failed to take concrete actions to address them. This raises questions about the purpose and usefulness of the white paper or report commissioned by ex- Governor Obaseki, given the lack of implementation."
"The introduction of the Special Intervention Team (SIT) into the university's operations appears to have been a ploy to tarnish the institution's reputation and pave the way for cronies to exploit its resources. Otunba Mike Aladenika questioned the purpose of the SIT, given that its report has not led to the prosecution of any offenders.
Aladenika further challenged former Governor Obaseki, who claimed to have uncovered wrongdoing, to provide evidence of investigation, trial, prosecution, and punishment of those implicated. He asked, "How many offenders were investigated, tried, prosecuted, found guilty, and punished?
"The Obaseki administration's intention to cripple Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma is evident in the drastic reduction of monthly subvention from N270 million to N41 million, which he claimed would make the university world-class. However, during his eight-year tenure, workers' salaries were owed for over 15 months, promotions were denied, and the minimum wage was ignored.
Given the university's struggles under his leadership, it's surprising Obaseki wouldn't wonder how the institution would survive the next 10 years. Instead, the university has risen like a phoenix under the current administration. In less than eight months, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo increased the monthly subvention to N500 million, approved the payment of the minimum wage, and sanctioned promotions for deserving staff."
"It's no surprise that students are no longer protesting and staff members are happier doing their jobs. The Dan Orbih-led Governing Council has initiated several projects, including the renovation of campus structures, starting with the gate, construction of a modern parking lot, lecture theaters, and hostel facilities.
Notably, Medical and Nursing students, who were unable to graduate and be inducted during your eight-year tenure, have successfully completed their programs and been inducted in less than eight months under Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration."
"We urge the former Edo State governor,Godwin Obaseki to leave Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma alone, and allow her to flourish under the new administration of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, Otunba Mike Aladenika said.
....To be continued
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