STAKEHOLDERS at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma have raised the alerm over the selection process adopted by the Governing Council, headed by Chief Dan Orbih.
In a letter signed by Comrade, Asotie Momodu On behalf of concerned staff and students of Ambrose Alli University, due process for the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor must be followed in accordance to the letter.
“We, the stakeholders of Edo State, collectively express profound apprehension and unequivocal dissatisfaction with the procedural conduct employed by the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in the shortlisting and selection of candidates for the Vice Chancellorship position.
“At the outset, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and His Deputy, Dr. Dennis Idahosa, alongside the good people of Edo State, on their resounding victory at the Appeal Court. We hereby implore the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and all affiliated political entities to align with the exemplary leadership of Governor Okpebholo in the shared pursuit of advancing Edo State’s socio-economic and academic development.
Pertinent Concerns Regarding the Selection Procedure
“It has come to our attention that the Acting Registrar of Ambrose Alli University, Mr. Ephraim Isiraoje—who also functions as Secretary to the University Council—was unjustly and arbitrarily excluded from the screening session purportedly convened to evaluate candidates. Further exacerbating this breach, the Chairman of the University Council, Chief Dan Orbih, contravened statutory provisions by deploying his own secretariat personnel from Benin City to supplant the university’s registry and council staff. This act constitutes a flagrant violation of both the University’s internal statutes and the National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations governing the governance and appointment of principal university officers.
“The disqualification of Professors Celestina Isiramen, Agbokhabholo, Okonigene, Robert Okogun, and Isaac Aigbedion on spurious allegations of “integrity issues” is both unbecoming and deeply troubling. These distinguished academicians have, over the years, demonstrated unwavering commitment, scholarly excellence, and meritorious service both within Ambrose Alli University and on the national academic stage.
Professor Robert Okogun presently serves as Dean of Medical Laboratory Science.
Professor Agbokhabholo is a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and an accomplished former Head of Department.
Professor Okonigene served with distinction as Dean of Engineering without any credible allegations against his character.
Professor Isaac Aigbedion, a highly esteemed NUC-recognized scholar, has been a linchpin of institutional stability and leadership, serving four Vice Chancellors without censure. He also holds the esteemed position of Grand Patron of the Anti-Cult Group in Ekpoma, having spearheaded highly successful cult renunciation campaigns.
Professor Celestina Isiramen, former Director of the Consultancy Unit, has received official commendations from the University Council for her exemplary contributions.
In stark contrast, the inclusion of Professor Eunice Omozejele—who has only held the position of Head of Department and lacks the requisite experience as Dean, Director, Deputy Vice Chancellor, or Provost as explicitly required by the advertised criteria—is highly questionable. Similarly, discrepancies concerning the qualifications and age of Professors Igene and Oyaziwo Aluede remain unexplained.
It is disconcerting that the current Acting Vice Chancellor, a native of Kogi State, appears to be engaging in covert attempts to influence vulnerable members of staff to unlawfully extend his tenure.
Demand for Transparency, Due Process, and Procedural Integrity
“We firmly assert that Professors Celestina Isiramen, Agbokhabholo, Okogun, Okonigene, and Isaac Aigbedion are eminently qualified and deserve unequivocal invitation to participate in the Vice Chancellor interview process.
“The selection process was executed in a manner that was procedurally flawed, precipitous, and opaque, thereby undermining its legitimacy. The demand that candidates declared qualified appear for interviews within an unreasonably short notice of eight hours strongly suggests impropriety. Any allegations leveled against applicants must be subject to fair hearing and adequate opportunity for response prior to final determination.
“Unresolved Queries Demanding Immediate Clarification
“Why did the Dan Orbih-led Council summarily disregard formal correspondence from JACK and ASUU highlighting procedural irregularities?
“How did the Chairman obtain and publicly read from a list of disqualified candidates on his phone, allegedly before the opening of applications, which were submitted via DHL?
“On what basis were candidates from University of Ibadan, University of Benin, and University of Ilorin cleared for interview, raising questions as to whether partisan considerations or prior knowledge influenced the screening process?
“What was the involvement of former Vice Chancellor Professor Onimawo Ignatius in the process immediately preceding and during the interview proceedings?
“How was a Liberian national with no prior university affiliation appointed to a position originating from Ekiti State?
“How was the bursar position awarded to a newly recruited lecturer from College of Education, Igueben, despite the incumbent’s academic rank being below that required for Deputy Bursar? .
“Why was the auditor position, which was never advertised, awarded to Mr. Peter I., an associate of Professor Onimawo Ignatius?
“We categorically declare that the aforementioned professors bear no credible allegations regarding their integrity and stand as paragons of academic and administrative excellence. Their exclusion without a comprehensive investigation manifests a deliberate stratagem to undermine meritocracy and entrench mediocrity within the institution.
Call to Action
“Ambrose Alli University has endured significant adversities under the previous administration. The advent of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership has heralded a renewed era of institutional revitalization. It is imperative that internal saboteurs and detractors of progress are not permitted to reverse these gains through subversion and unfair practices.
“Additionally, it is noteworthy that the three candidates recommended for appointment have all been affiliated with opposition political entities during the last electoral cycle, thereby casting doubt on the impartiality and fairness of the Dan Orbih-led Council.
“We, therefore, call upon all competent authorities to urgently undertake a thorough and transparent review of the entire selection process, ensuring adherence to the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and procedural justice”, the press statement read
