Stakeholders of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora—comprising staff, students, and friends of the university—remain profoundly grateful to the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his directive that all qualified Professors who applied for the position of Vice Chancellor be invited for consideration in the ongoing process of appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor.
This directive demonstrates the Governor’s sterling qualities as a good listener, pragmatic administrator, and God-fearing leader. However, in the spirit of fairness and justice, it is important to emphasize that in academic practice, and in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations, when a lecturer is accused of unfairly failing a student, the examination script is forwarded to another university for an independent and unbiased assessment.
By analogy, applying this principle of impartiality to the ongoing selection process at AAU, the most prudent course of action would be for the Chairman of the Governing Council to recuse himself or, at the very least, entrust the conduct of the interview for the Vice Chancellorship and other principal offices to a neutral and independent body.
Your Excellency, one pressing question requires clarification: how is the Dan Orbih-led Council able to interview about twenty Professors on the same date, as contained in its letter? The integrity of such an arrangement is, at best, questionable.
Legally, as the Visitor to the University, the Governor is vested with the authority to ensure that due process, equity, and transparency guide this critical appointment.
Psychologically, such an intervention would restore confidence among stakeholders and dispel perceptions of bias or undue influence.
Politically, it would further consolidate the image of the Governor as a reform-minded leader who prioritizes institutional integrity and the rule of law above personal or sectional interests.
By this decisive step, the Governor has already etched his name in gold in the annals of the university’s history as one who upholds justice, fairness, and meritocracy in strengthening higher education in Edo State. Nevertheless, it is evident that the current Chairman of Council has failed in the discharge of his duties. The most judicious course of action is the dissolution of the present Council, given the maladministration and clear conflicts of interest undermining the credibility of the university’s governing body.
Signed
Oza Mathew
Writing from Solomon Islands
Email: ozamathew.globalvoice@gmail.com
