AAUE Acting VC Eulogizes Gov Okpebholo Over Increase Of Subvention

…Says he will position the institution to world Class University

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Acting Vice Chancellor (AVC), Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel has expressed his profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Edo State and Visitor to the University, Senator Monday Okpebholo over the increase of subvention to the Institutions.

He made the commendation during press conference at the school campus, Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of the State.

While enumerating his achievements recorded since his inception as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olowo Samuel emphasized that the achievements could not have be achieved without the support and intervention of the strong support of the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University, Senator Monday Okpebholo and deliberate policies by the Governing Council ably led by High Chief Dan Osi Orbih.

Prof. Samuel stated that the increased subvention of N500m enabled the university addressed some of the financial backlog inherited from the previous administrations.

Among the financial backlog, he stated were prompt payment of salaries, pension and the implementation of the new minimum wage, reinstatement of those he called politically sacked staff and restoration of some staff’s name into the university’s staff.

Going further, Prof. Olowo Samuel who stated that the institution would soon enjoy uninterrupted power supply, pointed out that Governor Monday Okpebholo approved 1.5megawatts of alternative power for the institution.

Besides, the VC said the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) approved construction of solar plant.

Prof. Samuel said he has keyed into the vision of the institution’s founding fathers to restore its glory and make it a world class University.

He said his administration restored unprecedented peace and institutional stability which earned it an award of the Most Peaceful Educational Institution in Nigeria by the Edo Legacy Foundation.

The AAUE VC stated that the institution entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology (JLICT) and Mutual Commitment Company Limited for Student Exchange Programs such as undergraduate overseas study opportunities, Faculty Exchange Programs, Cross-training and capacity building for academic staff, amongst others.

According to him, “This partnership is poised to transfer technology, enhance academic opportunities, and provide scholarships, among other mutual benefits. Its implementation is already being worked out by the Edo State Government.

“The prompt payment of salaries to staff and pensions to pensioners have been the hallmark of my administration. This also motivated my administration to immediately implement the new minimum wage of #70,000 as soon as it was approved by the Governing Council.

“Thousands of graduates faced blocked JAMB profiles or regularisation challenges, preventing them from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Through divine intervention and the tireless efforts of key stakeholders, especially the people-oriented Governor of Edo State and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, these issues have now been fully resolved. Affected graduates can now proceed with NYSC mobilisation, while other related cases are being addressed seamlessly.

“All graduates will receive their certificates immediately after graduation. Additionally, long-standing issues with transcript applications have been addressed, and implementation is ongoing to ensure alumni satisfaction. This reform marks a turning point in the University’s commitment to excellent service delivery.

“For the first time in its history, the University has resolved the issue of missing results, effective from the 2023/2024 session. Students could access their results in all registered courses before registering for the new session. This milestone was achieved through commendable staff cooperation and the unwavering support of University Management. Backlogs from previous sessions are also being actively resolved.

“The administration successfully facilitated the lifting of the TETFund ban previously placed on AAU, Ekpoma. This ban had deprived staff of access to funding for academic development. With the embargo lifted, staff can now benefit from sponsorship for conferences, capacity-building programmes, and research activities, restoring lost opportunities. Special appreciation to the Directorate of Academic Planning for the efforts in this regard.”