News
AAU Acting VC Meets With Journalists, Rolls Out Achievements

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, has given his scorecard since he assumed office as the acting VC of the state-owned institution, ascribing all achievements to God Almighty and the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for his unwaving support for the university.
Interacting with journalists on Thursday in his office on the journey so far, the VC said though some challenges abound, “Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, has witnessed a dramatic transformation in human capital development and other achievements since September 2, 2024, when I was appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor.”
According to him, under his watch, the university has “addressed some of the financial backlog inherited from the previous administrations,” adding that this feat was made possible because the present Edo State government increased the monthly subvention to the university.
“Before this administration, the University experienced poor funding as a result of the reduction of her monthly subvention of N270 million which was grossly inadequate to N41 million since 2021 with adverse effect on the University but by divine intervention and the goodwill of the Executive Governor and Visitor to Ambrose Alli University, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, the monthly subvention increased to N500 million, since November, 2024,” he added.
The Acting VC, who boasted that “prompt payment of salaries to staff and pensions to pensioners have been the hallmark of my administration,” disclosed that his administration implemented the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 as soon as it was approved by the Governing Council of the institution.
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Prof. Samuel, while noting that “in line with the directives of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, all politically sacked staff by the defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) has been reinstated,” said many members of staff who had their names removed “due to the controversial biometric exercise conducted by the defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT),” had been restored.
The acting VC said AAU, under his leadership, has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology (JLICT) and Mutual Commitment Company Limited, adding that this MoU would enable the two parties’ Student Exchange Programs; Undergraduate overseas study opportunities, amongst others.
He explained: “This MoU entails the following: (a) Student Exchange Programs: Undergraduate overseas study opportunities, (b) Faculty Exchange Programs: Cross-training and capacity building for academic staff, (c) Joint Research and Academic Projects: Collaborative initiatives in teaching and innovation, (d) Internships and Joint Seminars: Practical exposure for students and faculty.
“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 Acting VC, who said JAMB related challenges thousands of AAU graduates faced in the past have fully been resolved, disclosed that the university under his administration, and with the approval of the Governing Council, has put machinery in place to ensure graduates are issued certificate immediately after their graduation, and transcript has been made easy.
READ ALSO:Online Reports On Protest False, Intent To Tarnish Our Image – AAU Ekpoma
He said: “In the past, 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.”
The Acting VC continued: “The Senate recently approved a policy to enhance the University’s efficiency and responsiveness in handling certificates and transcripts. Henceforth, 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.”
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Reinstates AAU Staff Sacked By Ex-Governor Obaseki’s Govt
Prof. Samuel disclosed that “significant strides have been made in resolving inherited challenges in the College of Medicine,” adding “this includes the successful swearing-in and Oath-taking Ceremony of Set 18 Medical Doctors (2020/2021 session), induction of 810 Nurses, and
resolution of the MLS Students’ Indexing and Examination challenges caused by excess admissions.”
He added that the university, under his leadership, “recently secured the approval of the Nursing Council to commence admissions into the Nursing Science programme with a quota of 120 students in the 2024/2025 session,” just as he stressed that “the final approval from the NUC is being awaited by the University.”
The Acting VC who expressed delight that “Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, was nominated as the Most Exceptional State University of the Year and its Acting Vice-Chancellor as the Most Exceptional Vice-Chancellor of the Year-State University by the Nigerian Academic Excellence Awards (NAEA) 2024, among many others,” said the university also “came out as the 3rd best University in Nigeria at the last Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) GAMES hosted by the University of Lagos with 26 medals which include a gold medal in male football, gold in Male Handball, bronze in female handball and bronze in female volleyball and many other awards.”
The Acting VC, while stating that “the University has enjoyed a rare level of peace and harmony under the current administration,” added that “the 2022/2023 academic session of the Directorate of Science and Humanities (Part-Time) and has commenced the first semester examinations for the 2024/2025 session without disruption, reflecting a stable and efficiently managed academic calendar.”
News
Lagos Unveils Artisan Certification To Curb Building Collapse

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has launched a new certification and training programme for artisans in the construction industry as part of efforts to stem the spate of building collapses in the state.
The initiative, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme, was unveiled at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators and welders converged to pledge support for safer construction practices.
In a statement on Thursday by the Lagos Government, General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, said the programme marked a decisive step in tackling recurring tragedies linked to substandard construction materials.
“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We need to earnestly curb episodes of collapse in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” he said.
READ ALSO:Lagos Opens Portal For Teaching Job Applications
According to the statement, the CSIP is a five-year assessment programme aimed at certifying construction materials as fit-for-purpose.
It will also produce an official directory of approved block moulders, concrete mixers and steel fabricators, to whom developers will be directed for supplies.
“This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance that makes Lagos a model for building safety and integrity,” Abdul added.
Technical experts at the forum highlighted the scientific backing for the initiative. Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, stressed the need for mandatory soil tests before construction.
READ ALSO:NDLEA Arrests Two Drug Kingpins, Seizes Cocaine, Heroin, Meth In Lagos
Similarly, Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department advised builders to ensure architectural drawings are obtained and preserved, describing them as “a core requirement in the Lagos building process.”
Artisan guild leaders welcomed the initiative. Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, described frequent collapses as “disheartening” and commended the forum as a step in the right direction.
On his part, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, noted the peculiarities of Lagos’s swampy terrain and urged all stakeholders to ensure materials and soil tests are completed before bricklayers commence work on any site.
Building collapse has been a persistent challenge in Lagos, with many lives lost and substantial property damage over the years.
READ ALSO:Lagos Opens Portal For Teaching Job Applications
In recent incidents, emergency responders have had to rescue workers from collapsed structures.
PUNCH Online reports that rescue teams pulled eight workers from the debris of a collapsed building in September.
Reports by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild show Lagos accounts for about 55% of recorded building collapse incidents in Nigeria over the past several decades.
In response, Lagos has taken steps to strengthen bodies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, and regulation of building standards.
News
Edo deputy gov warns MOWAA Against encroachment

Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has warned management of Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) to adhere strictly to laid-down demarcation between the museum and the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).
Idahosa, who gave the warning when he visited the site on Thursday, expressed displeasure over MOWAA’s alleged encroachment on ESH land despite earlier directives.
The deputy governor stressed that governor Monday Okpebholo had mandated him to ensure compliance with the demarcation lines.
“Governor Okpebholo asked me to advise and also warn the MOWAA management to stick to the demarcation lines between the ESH and the MOWAA institution,” the deputy governor said.
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During the visit, Idahosa supervised the demolition of parts of the obsolete tuberculosis building at the hospital and monitored debris clearance to facilitate the hospital’s expansion project.
Recounting earlier efforts, he said: “Few weeks ago, we were here to give demarcation on the boundary between MOWAA and the ESH.Apparently, the MOWAA management decided to encroach on the land given to ESH.
“We came to let them know that the Edo State Government is firm on it, and we have given them the right coordinates. We have also sealed the part that belongs to the ESH, so MOWAA, at this point, can no longer encroach.”
Idahosa emphasized that the government’s priority remains the security and health of Edo people, noting that compliance with lawful boundaries is in the interest of both institutions.
READ ALSO: Idahosa Lauds Edo Specialist Hospital Facilities
“This is not a witch hunt. The governor is fair enough to allow MOWAA to continue with whatever we met on ground. He has not encroached or done anything contrary to the law. Hence, they should also stick and abide by the law,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Anthonia Njoku commended Okpebholo for protecting the hospital’s expansion interest.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Imoisili Igabali noted that negotiations had been ongoing with MOWAA over the demarcation and that a temporary perimeter wall had been set up in the meantime.
“As an agency, our responsibility in the state is to ensure that development in the state is done according to laid down rules and regulations,” Igabali stated.
News
Police Begin Enforcement Of Tinted Glass, Siren Regulations In Edo, Delta

The Zone Five Police Command have begun enforcing the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens and tinted glass permit regulations.
NAN reports that the zone five command located in the South-south Geo-political Zone comprises Edo and Delta.
This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja.
The exercise, the command said, is in line with the existing laws and directives of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which apply to all vehicles with tinted glasses, whether factory or non-factory fitted.
READ ALSO:Edo Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers In Gun Duel
Momoh quoted the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Salma-Dogo Garba, as saying that the enforcement would also affect the subsisting ban on the unauthorised use of sirens.
According to Garba, there will also be strict enforcement on the use of revolving lights, Police SPY and unallocated official number plates, as well as the use of unregistered vehicles.
“In view of the above, motorists yet to register their vehicles with tinted glasses are strongly advised to do so at www.possap.gov.ng.
“Thereafter, they should proceed to their state command headquarters for physical verification.
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“Those who are not desirous of obtaining the tinted glass permit are advised to remove such tints or replace the factory-fitted glasses with transparent ones, as legally provided by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 2004.”
The AIG warned field operatives and their supervisory officers to ensure that the exercise was carried out with utmost professionalism, devoid of any form of harassment or extortion of motorists.
He stressed that any officer found wanting would be duly sanctioned, while the concerned supervisory officer would be held liable.
Garba further urged motorists to cooperate with the Police during the exercise in order to ensure public safety and national security.
READ ALSO:Police Rescue Mother, Baby, Five Others From Kidnappers In Kwara
He also charged residents to promptly report any form of harassment, extortion, or other unprofessional conduct to the nearest police station, the commands CRUs, or the ZPPRO.
NAN reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that strict enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement will begin across Nigeria on Thursday.
The directive comes under the authority of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a law intended to bolster security and curb criminal behaviour.
Under the new mandate, all vehicles with tinted windows are expected to carry valid and verifiable permit documents, which must be presented whenever requested by law enforcement.
NAN
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