By Saintmoses Eromosele (SME)
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is not just another public institution. It is the intellectual pride of Esanland, the legacy of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, and one of Edo State’s most important public assets.
That is why we must speak when the university is dragged into avoidable crisis.
The recent public disassociation by the Governing Council from the SchoolTry MoU approved by the management of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, is unfortunate. Council has oversight powers, yes. But oversight must not become intimidation, and governance must not become public humiliation.
From available facts, this was not a reckless adventure. The policy of contracting vendors for ICT services was already in place. Management was not inventing a strange practice; it was ensuring continuity after the previous portal arrangement expired. More importantly, the new arrangement reportedly expanded digital services, reduced costs, improved revenue retention, and freed the university from long-standing dependence on an entrenched portal system.
That is reform, not misconduct.
No one says the Vice Chancellor is above scrutiny. If there are procurement concerns, review them. If there are technical issues, resolve them. If any approval was omitted, let the proper university organs correct the process. But do not weaken the authority of the Vice Chancellor in the public space as though she is a subordinate without dignity.
Council is not Management. Council gives broad policy direction. The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic Officer of the university. She is not a ceremonial figurehead. She must be allowed to lead.
Digital transformation is not a crime. Saving the university money is not a crime. Expanding services for students and staff is not a crime. A reform that benefits AAU should be examined with fairness, not dismissed with public drama.
This matter should not be reduced to Edo North versus Edo Central. Edo is one family, and Chief Dan Orbih deserves respect as Pro-Chancellor. But the office of the Pro-Chancellor must also respect the office of the Vice Chancellor.
Professor Eunice Omonzejie represents more than one appointment. She represents an Esan woman who has risen by merit. She represents a daughter of Esan Central trying to transform a university in her homeland. She represents every woman in leadership who must not be made to feel that authority belongs only to those who can intimidate.
As an Esan son, and as one committed to protecting the dignity and interest of Esan Central now and always, I cannot be silent. Defending her is not defending impunity. It is defending fairness, due process and institutional stability.
AAU needs peace. AAU needs funding. AAU needs accreditation stability. AAU needs digital renewal. It does not need another season of ego, politics and avoidable crisis.
Chief Dan Orbih should be remembered as a leader who helped stabilize AAU, not as one who broke the confidence of its Vice Chancellor.
AAU belongs to all Edo people, but it sits on Esan soil. Its pain is our pain. Its progress is our pride.
So I say this with respect, but with firmness:
Chief Dan Orbih, leave our VC alone.
Leave her to work.
Leave her to reform.
Leave her to lead.
And let Ambrose Alli University breathe again.
…Saintmoses Eromosele NDC Candidate for Member representing Esan Central Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly writes from his Cassava farm in Ewu and Eidenu