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The appointment of Professor (Mrs) Eunice Omonzejie as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma has brought a semblance of calm to the institution, reminiscent of the peace of a graveyard. This may have signalled the end of an era of negative media attention that plagued the university in the recent past, when it seemed like every day brought a new negative story about AAU Ekpoma.
However, beneath the surface, tensions are simmering within the university community, with various interests poised to take action at the slightest provocation. Some believe the new Vice-Chancellor is on a mission that may pit her administration against the state government, the governing council, management, unions, and even staff and students, potentially unleashing a devastating effect on the university.
The Vice-Chancellor's activist background, rooted in her membership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), appears to be driving her current policy decisions, which have brought the university administration to a standstill. Sources suggest that her "no gree for them" policy slogan and "nothing dey happen" mantra have emboldened her to challenge the authority of the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu.
The tension between the two culminated in an emergency meeting in Benin, where the organogram of engagement between the Ministry and the University was redefined. Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor's relationship with the Governing Council is reportedly strained, particularly over the appointment of two Deputy Vice-Chancellors without the Council's input, which is a departure from established protocol.
Although the Vice-Chancellor has since sought the Council's approval, it remains to be seen how the Dan Orbih-led Governing Council will respond to this perceived affront. Insiders close to the Vice-Chancellor's office claim that she has the backing of the state governor, which may see her through the challenges ahead. However, the future of the institution hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if these policies will plunge the university into another crisis.
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