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A group of stakeholders and alumni of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has strongly criticised a recent write-up by Saintmoses Eromosele (SME), describing it as misleading, one-sided and capable of undermining the integrity of the institution.
In a rejoinder jointly signed by Festus Ebhoman and Onosetale Osalumense on behalf of the stakeholders and alumni, the group argued that the article ignored what they described as "serious allegations of financial and administrative misconduct" against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzeje.
According to the statement, the Vice Chancellor allegedly awarded contracts running into hundreds of millions of naira without the approval of the university's Governing Council, contrary to the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Edict and applicable financial regulations. The stakeholders specifically alleged that contracts valued at over ₦120 million for the printing of university booklets were awarded, executed and paid for without Council authorisation.
The authors further alleged that some of the contracts were awarded to family members and close associates of the Vice Chancellor, an action they claimed contravenes the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, which requires transparency, competitive bidding and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
The stakeholders also accused the Vice Chancellor of withholding bailout funds released by the Edo State Government for the payment of outstanding staff salaries, thereby denying workers access to their entitlements.
On student welfare, the statement alleged that beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had been unable to access approved loans for more than five months after the funds were released, raising concerns over accountability in the management of the intervention.
They further claimed that the Vice Chancellor unilaterally suspended the university's Part-Time Programme and shut down the Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies without obtaining the approval of the Governing Council.
The statement also questioned the replacement of the university's ICT service provider, alleging that contracts exceeding ₦500 million were awarded without the knowledge or approval of the Governing Council.
Defending the powers of the Governing Council, the stakeholders maintained that, under the Ambrose Alli University Edict (1982, as amended), the Council remains the university's highest governing authority with responsibility for approving major financial transactions, overseeing appointments and promotions, ensuring compliance with institutional regulations, and exercising disciplinary oversight over principal officers, including the Vice Chancellor.
"The Vice Chancellor, as Chief Executive, is accountable to the Governing Council and cannot function as a sole administrator," the statement said, adding that any attempt to diminish the Council's statutory authority would amount to an erosion of due process and good governance.
The group also faulted Saintmoses Eromosele's reported call for the Governing Council to "leave the Vice Chancellor alone," insisting that such a position overlooks what they described as repeated violations of established laws, regulations and institutional procedures.
The stakeholders called on the Governing Council to continue exercising its statutory oversight functions, including investigating alleged financial infractions, enforcing accountability where necessary and making recommendations to the appropriate authorities where misconduct is established.
They stressed that no individual should be placed above the laws governing the university, warning that Ambrose Alli University must not be allowed to operate in a manner that undermines transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.
The statement concluded that preserving the dignity and reputation of the university requires strict adherence to due process and the rule of law, rather than shielding any public official from legitimate scrutiny.
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