A recent opinion piece by Peter Imoudu, praising former Vice Chancellor Professor Onimawo Ignatius, has drawn attention to significant questions regarding his tenure at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. While Imoudu’s piece has generated praise for Onimawo, it is crucial to address the underlying concerns about his administration and the ongoing issues that are still impacting the university today. The legacy of Onimawo’s leadership, which involved various allegations of mismanagement and corruption, is far from the ideal presented by his supporters.
The Damaging Legacy of Professor Onimawo Ignatius
It is essential to acknowledge that the current administration under Governor His Excellency Monday Okpebholo is working tirelessly to rectify the challenges caused during Onimawo’s tenure. One of the most critical issues was Onimawo’s unilateral decision-making style, which bypassed the university council and led to approving contracts that exceeded his approval limits. Reports have also surfaced that university funds were deposited into personal accounts, including those of his children and assistants, raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement.
In addition to financial irregularities, allegations emerged that Onimawo admitted students beyond the approved quotas for programs such as the College of Medicine and Law, disregarding the advice of admissions officers. This, coupled with his questionable decision-making processes, leaves many wondering about the true extent of his influence and the long-term consequences for AAU.
Unanswered Questions About His Role in the Selection Process
One of the pressing questions surrounding Onimawo’s actions is his involvement in the selection process at AAU. On the day of the selection, what role did he play alongside the Council Chairman? Was he trying to influence the outcome of this process? These questions demand answers, especially in light of a memo sent to the Edo State Government on February 13, 2019, which accused Onimawo of inflating the cost of convocation booklets by 21 million Naira. This act of financial mismanagement adds weight to the claims of Onimawo’s misuse of power during his administration.
Additionally, the memo mentioned that the university faced a dire future due to Onimawo’s actions. His administration’s alleged misuse of resources and disregard for proper procedures raises concerns about the integrity of AAU’s leadership during that period. The involvement of the former Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, and the university’s bursar in supporting Onimawo further complicates the situation, as their roles may have enabled or covered up these misdeeds.
Alleged Manipulation and Political Influence
Onimawo’s alleged manipulation of candidates for key university positions also warrants investigation. Why did he meet with traditional institutions in Esan West and Central? Was there an attempt to suppress the University Visitation Panel’s report, and if so, why? The growing body of evidence points to a significant attempt to influence the university’s administration and ensure that certain individuals were appointed to key positions—many of whom were allegedly his protégés.
Other questions that need to be answered include:
1. Why was an individual from Ekiti appointed as University Librarian, despite qualified AAU staff being available?
2. Why was Imawagbele appointed to the Audit position without an open advertisement for the role? Could political favoritism have played a part in this decision?
3. Why did the University Council rely on Onimawo’s text messages to cover up his alleged corrupt dealings and remove qualified candidates from consideration?
4. Why were the recommended candidates for the Vice Chancellor position predominantly individuals with close ties to Onimawo, some of whom were reportedly involved in covering up his actions?
The DVC Controversy and the Removal of Qualified Candidates
Perhaps the most concerning issue is the removal of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) from consideration. Could this be related to the DVC’s involvement in investigating Onimawo’s alleged corrupt activities? The fact that the former DVC was removed from the selection process raises questions about whether this was a deliberate attempt to stifle accountability.
Call for a Forensic Audit
Given the gravity of the allegations and the potential long-term impact on the university, a forensic audit into Onimawo’s administration was done during the last administration of Chief Lawson Omonkhodion. The audit shed more light on the full extent of mismanagement and corruption that occurred under Onimawo’s leadership. The government of his Excellency Monday Okpebholo is already addressing the challenges left by his actions, including sending the Commissioner of Education to key offices in the Medical, Nursing, and NUC sectors in Abuja to resolve lingering issues. However, the public must demand greater transparency regarding the true nature of Onimawo’s legacy at AAU.
Onimawo’s tenure at AAU was a period marked by alleged financial mismanagement, administrative inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. His posthumous praise by some should not overshadow the pressing need for a thorough investigation and accountability for the damage done to the university system.
Moreover, the University Council disqualified qualified Esan candidates for key positions, including Professor Nathaniel from UNIBEN, former DVC Agbokhabholo, Professor Aigbedion Isaac, Professor (Mrs.) Isiramen, Robert Okonigene, and Professor Okogun—highly respected professors who have served the University meritoriously under various Vice Chancellors .How were 25 Professor’s screened under one hour?. Letters of invitation were through text messages less than 7 hours to the time.
We urge the government to continue its work in restoring transparency and accountability within the university, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Only through proper investigation and reform can AAU begin to recover from the harmful legacy left behind. The government should disregard Professor Onimawo Ignatius and the Council recommendations on the appointment of the Principal Officials positions.
Akomu Writes from Benin
