News

AAU Acting VC Meets With Journalists, Rolls Out Achievements

Published

9 months ago

August 21, 2025

AAU Acting VC, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel.

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.

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.

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.”

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

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.