Gov Okpebholo Vows to Reposition AAUE for Global Relevance

By Esosa Omorogbe

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reposition Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAUE), for greater global relevance through sustained investment in staff welfare, capacity development and infrastructure. The governor’s position was conveyed by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, during his maiden familiarisation visit to the university, where he met with the management and leadership of the various staff unions.

Dr. Washington Osifo said Governor Okpebholo had remained committed to transforming the state-owned institution and would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving its academic environment and overall development.

He said the administration was prepared to provide the necessary financial support for the welfare and training of staff and students, while also committing government to the development and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure across the university.

According to a statement by the Principal Assistant Registrar/Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations of the university, Otunba Mike Aladenika, the Commissioner urged staff to reciprocate the government’s commitment by rededicating themselves to their duties. “Consequent upon the government’s commitment to repositioning the university, we enjoin you to rededicate yourselves to your respective duties. My doors are open for meaningful discussions that would help to grow the university for today and generations to come,” Osifo said.

He further disclosed that the government had encouraged the university management to operate an all-encompassing system that would provide opportunities for individuals to contribute their best to the development of the institution. “We have also encouraged the management to run an all-encompassing system that would bring out the best in individuals and in the entire university community,” he added.

In her welcoming address, the Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Professor Mrs Eunice Omonzejie told the visiting Education Commissioner that " The Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of the University remain ever grateful to the state governor for the interest shown in the institution. We are also blessed to have our own alumnus as the Acting Pro-Chancelor and commissioner for Education who has not also hidden his love for the growth of his Alma mater.

The Commissioner later embarked on a guided tour of facilities and structures across various faculties of the university to assess their condition and identify areas requiring government intervention. The visit, according to the statement, provided an opportunity for the Commissioner to interact directly with stakeholders and gain first-hand insight into the institution’s immediate infrastructural and developmental needs.