STAKEHOLDERS, ALUMNI FAULT DEFENCE OF AAU VICE CHANCELLOR, ALLEGE MASSIVE FINANCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE INFRACTIONS
By Isaac Eranga
EKPOMA — A major crisis is brewing at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, as a group of prominent stakeholders and alumni have strongly criticized a recent publication defending the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzeje.
In a sharply worded rejoinder jointly signed by Festus Ebhoman and Onosetale Osalumense, the group dismissed a write-up by commentator Saintmoses Eromosele (SME)—which urged authorities to “leave the Vice Chancellor alone”—describing it as misleading, one-sided, and a direct threat to the institution’s integrity.
The stakeholders argued that the defense completely ignored severe allegations of financial recklessness, nepotism, and administrative misconduct against the Vice Chancellor.
Multi-Million Naira Contract Scams Alleged
At the heart of the stakeholders’ grievances are claims of gross violations of procurement laws. The group alleged that Professor Omonzeje has been awarding contracts running into hundreds of millions of naira without the mandatory approval of the university’s Governing Council, directly violating the AAU Edict and established financial regulations.
Specific financial allegations leveled against the Vice Chancellor include:
- The Booklets Contract: Awarding, executing, and paying over ₦120 million for the printing of university booklets without Council authorization.
- ICT Provider Overhaul: Unilaterally replacing the university’s ICT service provider and awarding a contract exceeding ₦500 million without the knowledge or approval of the Governing Council.
- Conflict of Interest: Awarding lucrative university contracts to close associates and family members, which the group notes is a direct violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 regarding competitive bidding and transparency.
Staff Salaries Withheld, NELFUND Loans Delayed
The statement further painted a grim picture of welfare under the current administration, accusing the Vice Chancellor of exacerbating the suffering of both staff and students.
According to the group, the Edo State Government released critical bailout funds specifically meant to clear outstanding staff salaries, but the Vice Chancellor has allegedly withheld the money.
Furthermore, the stakeholders raised accountability concerns regarding student welfare, revealing that beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have been left stranded. They claimed students have been unable to access their approved loans for over five months after the funds were officially released to the university.
Unilateral Shutdown of Academic Programmes
The Vice Chancellor was also accused of running the institution like a “sole administrator” by making sweeping academic adjustments without statutory clearance. The rejoinder claims she unilaterally suspended the university’s Part-Time Programme and shut down the Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies—both actions requiring Governing Council approval.
“No One is Above the Law”
Defending the statutory powers of the university’s leadership structure, the stakeholders reminded the public that under the Ambrose Alli University Edict (1982, as amended), the Governing Council remains the highest authority of the institution.
”The Vice Chancellor, as Chief Executive, is accountable to the Governing Council and cannot function as a sole administrator,” the statement read, warning that undermining the Council’s authority erodes due process and good governance.
The group concluded by calling on the Governing Council to resist external pressure, aggressively investigate the alleged financial infractions, and enforce accountability. They maintained that preserving AAU’s reputation requires strict adherence to the rule of law rather than shielding public officials from legitimate scrutiny.
