By Festus Ebhodaghe, Ph.D.
Benin City
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, is facing renewed controversy following allegations against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Omonzeje. Staff and students accuse her of mismanagement, selective payment of outstanding salaries, and unilateral removal of names from the bursary-prepared list of beneficiaries of the ₦1 billion bailout fund released by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Union representatives allege that the Vice Chancellor misled the governor by blaming the former Bursar, Dr. Akor Sadiq, for the non-payment of salaries before Easter. Staff insist that Dr. Sadiq had consistently paid salaries promptly under the directives of the former Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Olowo, without difficulty. They argue that the current crisis stems from Professor Omonzeje’s administration, which has left hundreds of staff unpaid despite the bailout. They further claim that she has failed to manage the crisis effectively and has provided misleading information to staff, council, and government.
Critics suggest that the Vice Chancellor may be on a “vindictive mission,” alleging that she selectively paid only allies while sidelining others. One staff member, who requested anonymity, lamented that his 20 months of outstanding salaries remain unpaid, while the Vice Chancellor allegedly paid herself even before the bailout funds were released. Staff question why, after the governor and council directed payments, the Vice Chancellor has not ensured disbursement to all affected employees.
Beyond financial concerns, Professor Omonzeje’s leadership has been criticized for failing to organize continuous assessment tests due to ICT failures, cancelling the Student Union Government election, and struggling to work effectively with the governing council, registrar, and other principal officers. Alumni and staff further allege that she has assumed the role of a contractor, handling projects such as hostel fencing in Irrua and printing examination booklets without following due process or council approval.
Stakeholders, alumni, and staff unions have vowed to pursue justice through all available means. They are calling on the Edo State Government and the university’s governing council to launch a thorough investigation into the Vice Chancellor’s administration. Allegations include corruption, selective payment of staff from bailout funds, mismanagement, and abuse of office.
Observers note that under NUC guidelines, the Vice Chancellor, as the Chief Executive and Chief Accounting Officer of the university, is expected to uphold transparency, accountability, and adherence to council directives. The current allegations, if substantiated, would represent a breach of these standards and undermine the principles of good governance in Nigerian universities.