The issue surrounding the selection and interview processes for principal officers at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, appears to have raised significant concerns among various stakeholders. Allegations of corruption and procedural breaches are at the heart of these issues, as described in the press statement from Comrade Momodu Isa and Aigbokhan Prosper.
Key points raised in the statement include:
1. Breach of Selection Protocols: The selection process allegedly violated the university’s established guidelines. For instance, the council led by Chief Dan Orbih reportedly bypassed the proper administrative staff and brought in secretariat personnel from outside, undermining the role of the registrar and council staff who are supposed to be part of the process.
2. Unqualified Candidates: The selection criteria for candidates, which required applicants for the Vice-Chancellor position to have held significant academic leadership roles (such as Head of Department, Dean, Director, or Deputy Vice-Chancellor), were not followed. An example given is the case of Professor (Mrs) Eunice Omonzejelie, who allegedly did not meet these criteria but was still considered for the position.
3. Allegations of Age Falsification: It was claimed that several candidates for the Vice-Chancellor role were involved in age falsification, with at least four candidates implicated. Additionally, the selection process allegedly allowed individuals with questionable backgrounds, including those associated with a previous period of governance under Professor Onimawo Ignatius, to be shortlisted despite concerns over their past conduct.
4. Controversial Recommendations for Other Principal Officers: Allegations extend to other positions, such as the bursar and librarian. There were claims that the council recommended individuals who were either unfamiliar with the operational structures of the university or were not confirmed staff members. Furthermore, the recruitment for the position of the university librarian was said to have bypassed qualified internal candidates, favouring external ones.
5. Bias Toward Political Affiliations: It was also noted that the council’s actions, particularly regarding the Vice-Chancellor position, were politically motivated, with allegations that only candidates with affiliations to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were recommended, which has sparked dissatisfaction among APC members, especially in the Esan region.
6. Concerns Over Public Perception and Governance: The statement concludes with a call for the government to avoid a controversial situation similar to those seen in other Nigerian universities, where the appointment of principal officers was marred by political and administrative disputes.
These allegations, if proven true, raise serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and governance at AAU. It is vital that proper investigations be conducted to address these issues and restore confidence in the institution’s leadership selection processes.
