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AAU Ekpoma Scores 76% To TOP Corrupt – Free State-owned Universities Ranking In Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

August 8, 2023

The Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria has been confered with the CORPORATE ETHICS AND INTEGRITY COMPLIANCE AWARD, 2023 by he Center for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO).

The institutional and individual awards were also confered on the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin and other members of the University’s management team by the CESVO, a Non-Governmental Organisation which focuses on exposing corruption.

The university was said to have polled a cumulative corporate score of 76%, thereby defeating many other state-owned universities across Nigeria in a covert investigation by the Centre, while Professor Adagbonyin who bagged the award on Ethical Leadership/Conduct Compliance was said to have garnered 77% to clinch his award.

The award confers on him is the highest Honorific title of the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO) which is the Integrity Icon of Nigeria (I.I.O.N).

As a reward for the awards won by the university, the Vice Chancellor and his management team, the CESVO boss announced an offer of systemic training in Ethical Leadership for 200 members of AAU community, to be made up
of 100 staff members and 100 student leaders which will come at a 70% liability to the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation while the University caters for 30%.

Speaking shortly before decorating the Vice-Chancellor with the medal for both awards, the Executive Director, Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu said, “This University was, at a time, among the selected ten most corrupt state-owned university in Nigeria.”

According to Yakubu, “The ability of the Acting Vice Chancellor to say no to certain unethical things that are done arbitrarily has elevated the University from its chronic bad records to a better one.

“We are aware that your life may be at risk for taking these bold steps to redirect the institution to the path of greatness, don’t forget that God is in control of all our affairs. You must not be detered; you must be more determined and resolute that your mission here is to sanitize the university.

“Out of all the state-owned universities under consideration at this point, we saw indicators of performance of leadership and management that is ethically correct; yours is one of the ten most ethically responsible, highly rated state-owned university in Nigeria today.

“From the indicators we have seen and the kind of dexterity you have demonstrated so far under your leadership, the name of this university is hereby delisted from the list of state-owned universities that are endemically corrupt.

“We can categorically say, without any fear of contradiction, that Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma is today one of the most ethically responsible, corrupt-free state university, genuinely committed to the provision of quality university education in Nigeria.”

Yakubu added: “These awards to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, as well as to the Vice Chancellor and some of his Management team, is meant to encourage all to do more, to restore the University back to the pinnacle of its glory.”

The Executive Director noted: “The Vice Chancellor bagged his award in Ethical Conduct and Leadership Compliance based on his assessment in: self-discipline, emotional intelligence, time management skills, corporate policy performance, ethical uprightness in work place, past antecedents, fiscal discipline and dedication to public service, among other thematic areas.”

In his response, the Vice Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the CESVO for the honour, stressing that “the awards conferred on me, the University and other members of staff will go a long way to further dispel all the misinformation about our great university.”

While ascribing the awards to the collective efforts of all staff of the university, as well as the supervisory roles of the Special Intervention Team (SIT), Professor Adagbonyin dedicated all the awards to the S.I.T., noting: “With this, we are more determined, as a team, to work towards sustaining the required standard expected from a university of first choice such as ours.”

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.
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‎ 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.”
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‎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
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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.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎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.”
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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.