By Osafamwen Samson
The Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has responded to allegations contained in a viral podcast circulating on the Facebook account of one Bob-Manuel Omobumhe Umoru concerning alleged financial impropriety and administrative misconduct against the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
The University stated that it would ordinarily not have responded to the podcast but considered it necessary to clarify the issues raised and correct erroneous impressions created about the institution and its leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the University Management, the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, stated that there is no conflict between the University Management and the Governing Council as alleged 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.
VICE-CHANCELLOR'S APPROVAL LIMIT
Responding to the allegation concerning the Vice-Chancellor's financial approval limit, the University clarified that although the Governing Council reviewed and increased the Vice-Chancellor's approval limit from ₦5 million to ₦10 million, 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.
STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT
On the allegation that the Dean of Students withdraws money from the Students' Union Government (SUG) account, the University stated that the claim is incorrect. It 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.
The University further explained 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.
CONDUCT OF STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
On the conduct of Students' Union Government elections, Management stated that the electoral process is already on course. An approved timetable has been released, while 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 6 August 2026 and unanimously endorsed the deployment of logistics for the successful conduct of the elections.
ALLEGED ₦200 MILLION EXAMINATION BOOKLET CONTRACT
The University also clarified 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 family members.
Management stated that no such contract has been awarded. Rather, 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. Consequently, the claim that a ₦200 million contract has already been awarded to family members of the Vice-Chancellor is incorrect.
₦1 BILLION EDO STATE GOVERNMENT BAILOUT
On the ₦1 billion bailout approved by the Edo State Government, the University confirmed that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, graciously approved the intervention specifically to reduce the backlog of outstanding salary arrears owed to staff of the University.
Management stated that the funds received were applied for that purpose.
APPOINTMENT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
The University also rejected the claim that the Vice-Chancellor was imposed on the University by the Governor, stating that the assertion is unsupported by the records and established processes relating to her appointment.
NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND (NELFUND)
Clarifying issues surrounding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the University stated that funds have been received and applied for the benefit of 1,687 eligible students.
It further explained that students who had paid their school fees before the approval of their NELFUND applications have already been refunded accordingly.
Management noted 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.
PART-TIME PROGRAMME AND INSTITUTE OF GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES
On the alleged unilateral closure of the Part-Time Programme and the Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies, the University clarified that both decisions were taken by the University Senate in accordance with its statutory academic responsibilities and were not decisions taken unilaterally by the Vice-Chancellor.
MIGRATION FROM KOFA TO SCHOOLTRY
The University also addressed claims relating to the migration from the KOFA platform to SchoolTry.
Management explained that the previous portal arrangement came to an end following the expiration of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), making it necessary for the University to engage 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 categorically stated that no sum of ₦500 million was paid to SchoolTry for its engagement and described the claim that such a payment was made as incorrect.
UNIVERSITY URGES RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC COMMENTARY
The University 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.
Management noted that while individuals have the right to raise questions and express concerns about the administration of a public institution, such engagements are better served when they are based on accurate and verifiable information.
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.
+2348024189597(WhatsApp only). +2349134668587(WhatsApp and Calls only) email.- sparknewsnaija@gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment