Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to addressing the longstanding issues of unpaid salaries, gratuities, and other significant challenges faced by Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, which have been inherited from previous administrations.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit from the Vice-Chancellor of AAU, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, along with her management team, at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and her team on their recent appointments and acknowledged the critical challenges they outlined in their presentation. He stated, “From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming office.”
The governor assured the university management of his administration’s support in revitalizing the institution and restoring its former glory. He addressed the issue of unpaid salaries, calling the situation “unfair and unacceptable,” and emphasized, “It is not right for people to work and not be paid.” He pledged to prioritize the resolution of unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities, which amount to billions of naira.
In addition to salary concerns, Governor Okpebholo acknowledged other pressing issues raised by the university management, such as the need for improved hostel infrastructure, accreditation challenges, and facilities for programs like Medical Laboratory Science. He remarked, “This year’s budget is already at an advanced stage, but I expect that these critical needs will be properly captured in your budget proposals. Once that is done, we will see how best to move the institutions forward.”
During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Omonzejie explained that the delay in her team’s visit was due to a recent accreditation exercise and the necessity for a thorough assessment of the university’s condition. She expressed her gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for what she described as “life-saving interventions” since the beginning of his administration. These interventions include increased monthly subventions, the restoration of affected staff to the payroll, support for graduating backlog medical students, improved security logistics, and facilitation of road construction through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Professor Omonzejie also formally presented urgent needs that require immediate attention, including accumulated unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities, union deductions, and the construction of lecture theatres and hostels to enhance accreditation and expand student intake, particularly in the College of Medicine.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq., the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and the Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Mrs. Sede.
