There is growing anxiety at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAUE), over the delay in announcing a substantive Vice Chancellor, days after the selection process was concluded by the university’s Governing Council.
A group, the Association of Concerned Edo State Indigenes, raised concerns in a statement issued over the weekend, fearing that the prolonged delay in announcing the outcome of the screening process could pave the way for manipulation by individuals or group that do not mean well for the university and the state.
The statement, signed by the chairman and secretary of the association, Odion Aghayere and Monday Iyere, respectively, expressed surprise that more than a week had passed since candidates were interviewed for the position of substantive Vice Chancellor, yet the results had not been made public. The group urged the Chairman of the Governing Council to stick to the established process and announce the successful candidate without further delay.
The group further called on the Visitor to the university to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor. “AAUE has been operating under an interim arrangement for over three years now, and it is time for the institution to have a permanent leader,” the statement emphasized.
The group further stated that “while the screening process has been climaxed with all necessary examination concluded, the following candidates reportedly emerged at the top of the screening process: Prof. Frederick U. Igene, Prof. Marshal A. Azeke, and Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel.”
In a related development, the Edo Youth Education Empowerment Campaigner has commended the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his efforts in revitalizing the university since assuming office. The group expressed confidence that the governor would appoint the most qualified candidate for Vice Chancellor.
The President of the group, Odidi Ebhomielen, expressed full trust in the governor’s leadership. “We have implicit confidence in Governor Okpebholo. His actions so far, such as the constitution of a new Governing Council, the significant increase in the university’s subvention, the recall of unjustly disengaged academic staff by the defunct S.I.T., and other ongoing reforms, demonstrate his commitment to improving the institution. We are confident he will select the best candidate for the job,” Ebhomielen stated.
