Benin City, April 14, 2026 — Reports emerging from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, allege that Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Omonzeje may have been directly involved in controversial handling of the ₦1 billion bailout funds released by Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo. The funds were intended to offset salary arrears reportedly owed by the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki. This publication becomes necessary due to the silence of most staff, students, and the political strength required to question the excesses of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mrs. Eunice Omonzeje, who may have made herself appear above due process in the discharge of her duties.
Allegations of Mismanagement
According to staff sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly failed to disburse the bailout funds to staff as intended. Instead, she is accused of awarding contracts to herself and her son, in contravention of university regulations and guidelines set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The allegations further claim that Professor Omonzeje personally executed projects such as:
1.Perimeter fencing of the Clinical Hostel located at Irrua.
2.Fumigation of the entire university campus, reportedly without due process, along with other jobs within the University.
3.Acting with unchecked authority, likened by stakeholders to a “King Pharaoh.” Critics recall her involvement in carrying a casket with pictures of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunny Adabonyi, when staff protested unpaid salaries. She is now alleged to have assumed the functions of all principal officers of the University, boasting that she has the permission of relevant authorities to do so.
ICT Service Provider Controversy
Staff also allege that the Vice-Chancellor and her allies influenced the University Senate to approve the removal of the institution’s ICT service provider. Critics warn that this move could compromise the integrity of the University portal, potentially affecting student fee payments and disrupting examinations scheduled to begin in two weeks.
A senior staff member, who declined to be named, expressed concern that critical data — including student records and staff payment history — could be lost if the ICT transition is mishandled.
Stakeholders argue that these actions bypass established procurement procedures and governance oversight.
Cancellation of Academic Programs
In addition, Professor Omonzeje is accused of unilaterally cancelling the Part-Time Program and the Institute of Strategic Studies without consulting the University Governing Council. Stakeholders argue that such decisions undermine efforts to expand student enrollment and generate internal revenue.
Calls for Investigation
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Professor Omonzeje and the University’s Public Relations Officer proved unsuccessful. Stakeholders are now calling on the Edo State Government, the University Council, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate:
1.The perimeter fencing contracts at the Clinical Hostel and main campus hostel.
2.The fumigation project allegedly executed without due process.
3.Non-payment of staff salaries weeks after receiving government subvention and the one billion bailout fund allegedly fixed by the Vice-Chancellor.
4.Dissolution of the Students’ Union Government without election.
5.Failure to treat official mails from last year and January–April 2026, with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) allegedly handling correspondence on her behalf.
6.The ICT portal changes that could disrupt academic activities.
Broader Implications
If substantiated, these allegations raise serious questions about governance, transparency, and accountability at Ambrose Alli University. With examinations approaching, stakeholders fear that administrative instability could negatively impact students and staff alike. The dissolution of the Students’ Union Government, usurpation of principal officers’ positions, and running the University without recourse to the University Governing Council have led some to conclude that another “Pharaoh” has reincarnated in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Associate Professor Izibili John and Dr. Ebhodaghe M.Writing from Lagos as Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Alumni on behalf of the University Stakeholders.