THE ongoing scandal of corruption at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our academic institutions, where power, authority, and financial mismanagement frequently intersect. The findings from the due diligence exercise and subsequent interventions by the Chief Lawson Omonkhodion-led governing council in 2019 expose the depths of financial recklessness and malpractice that occurred during the tenure of former Vice Chancellor, Professor Ignatius Onimawo. The Professor Olowo Samuel,”Ajala travel ” as a conduit pipe must stop and the time for exit is now as Echo by Professor Don Akhilomen during the last inaugural lecture of Professor Izibili. Professor Olowo Samuel is traveling from one State to the other and holding clandestine meetings with political leaders on how to hold on to power.
Financial Mismanagement and Corruption
The investigation into the allegations, particularly those arising from a 14-point petition filed by then-state governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, paints a troubling picture of widespread financial mismanagement under Onimawo. According to the petition, millions of Naira were diverted from the University’s accounts into private accounts linked to the former Vice Chancellor’s personal assistants, Messrs. Christopher Omo-Iribhogbe and Eugene Eraikhuemen. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the leadership and the safeguards in place to protect public funds within academic institutions.
More disturbing than the financial misconduct itself is the resistance the governing council faced in its efforts to investigate and rectify these issues from the former Vice Chancellor aided by the former commissioner of Education, Hon Ijegbai. Despite clear evidence of financial mismanagement, including the illicit transfer of university funds, efforts to address the situation were obstructed by certain members of the university’s management and the Obaseki cabals of corruption. Even after the council suspended staff to enforce compliance with directives, the financial transfers continued unabated, reflecting a culture of impunity within the university administration. The case between Professor Onimawo and the former Council Chairman is in Federal high Court in Benin on AAUE financial mismanagement, the government of our Amiable governor and the current council should be so informed.
The Role of the State Government and Political Shielding
What amplifies the gravity of this case is the lack of action from the state government. Despite the release of a detailed forensic audit report that painted a damning picture of the financial misconduct under Professor Onimawo’s administration, the Obaseki-led government chose to ignore the report. Allegations have surfaced that certain individuals within the state government worked to shield the former Vice Chancellor from proper scrutiny, raising concerns about political interference and the lack of accountability in governance.
This situation calls into question the broader issue of institutional complacency and protectionism. When corruption at the highest levels of academia goes unpunished, it not only undermines the integrity of the institution but also erodes public trust in the governance structures meant to oversee them. The failure to act on the forensic audit report by both the former university’s governing council and the state government has only allowed the cycle of mismanagement to continue.
Manipulation of University Governance and Appointments
Beyond financial misconduct, there are alarming concerns surrounding the integrity of the university’s governance structures, particularly regarding the selection and interview processes for key positions. The selection and subsequent interview of Professor Jude Agho former Deputy Vice Chancellor, despite his previous failures in managing critical responsibilities—such as the tragic drowning of students in a collapsed underground water storage facility—raises serious questions about the university’s decision-making process. Professor Azeke was the academic sole administrator of the SIT, Professor Akhilomen Don , Professor Efosa and Igene are all Professor Onimawo Ignatius errand boys for the destruction of AAUE as contained in the petition handled over by the Obaseki led administration to the former Pro Chancellor for investigation.The selection of the former VC men by the Dan Orbih led council, mostly PDP including the Acting VC, Professor Olowo . S,who was helping Aseun in carrying Ghana must go bag during the campaign appears to be part of a broader pattern of consolidating power among individuals closely aligned with the former administration, possibly to shield past misdeeds from further scrutiny. While is Professor Olowo always travelling with University Funds on a weekly basis?. Is he gathering funds for settlement. The involvement of some political key actors in Esan Central for financial gains must not be overlooked by the government of Edo State now.
Furthermore, the exclusion of other qualified individuals, such as Professor Agbokhabholo, Professor Nathaniel Inegbedion and other qualified Persons like Professor Aigbedion Isaac , Professor Celestina Isiramen, Okogun and Okonigene from the interview reflects a deeper issue within the University: the prioritization of loyalty over competence. The appointment of a librarian from Ekiti State in a State owned institution and the lack of transparency surrounding the appointment of the University’s auditor, position not advertised ( replaced by Professor Onimawo friend) and registrar appointment which was put on hold further deepen suspicions about the fairness and transparency of the University’s internal governance. The appionted burser, Dr Sadiq Akor , is a relative of the council Chairman and a temporary academic staff of the University against the rules and regulations of the University should be revisited by his Excellency.
A Call for Immediate Action
This reflection serves as an urgent call for the current government under His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo to take decisive action. The issues surrounding procedural breaches and corruption within the university’s selection process must be thoroughly investigated. The forensic audit report and the findings of the visitation panel must be revisited and acted upon, as they hold the key to understanding the full extent of the damage done under the previous administration.
It is critical that the government works to restore integrity at AAU. Strengthening accountability mechanisms and ensuring transparent management of university resources is crucial to preventing further misuse of public funds. The governing council should distance itself from any past associations with the former Vice Chancellor and focus on rebuilding the university with transparency and fairness. The university’s long-term well-being should be prioritized over personal or political interests.
Conclusion: A University at a Crossroads
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, deserves a future free from corruption and mismanagement. The time has come for the government and the university leadership to take a strong stand against corruption, ensuring that resources meant for education, research, and community development are not squandered for personal gain. The actions taken today will determine whether AAU can recover from its troubled past and regain the trust of the public, students, staff, and the broader academic community. The need for reform and accountability has never been more urgent.
It is imperative that the authorities act swiftly to clean up the university’s systems, protect public resources, and restore the reputation of an institution that has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.
Ebhohimen Osadolor Writes from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
