Abuja, Nigeria – The Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma community has called on the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to remove Professor Olowu Samuel as Acting Vice Chancellor over allegations of administrative deficiencies, insecurity, and mismanagement.
According to a statement signed by Edward Imiosili and Omon Peters on behalf of the University Community Stakeholders, the institution has been plunged into deep distress, fear, and confusion under Prof. Samuel’s leadership. The stakeholders cited the discovery of a decomposing corpse within the university campus as evidence of the growing insecurity and administrative collapse.
Allegations Against Prof. Samuel
The stakeholders alleged that Prof. Samuel has demonstrated gross incompetence, negligence, and dereliction of duty, including prolonged absences from campus and focus on personal financial interests rather than institutional development. They also claimed that the Acting VC has failed to generate internal revenue, attract external funding, or initiate meaningful reforms, leading to a decline in academic standards.
Academically, the mismanagement is profound. A semester meant to span three months now lasts up to seven months, with students paying full tuition for a single academic session that remains unfulfilled. This gross financial misappropriation of student funds without corresponding academic output raises serious accountability concerns.
Call for Removal
The stakeholders urged Governor Okpebholo to act decisively and remove Prof. Samuel as Acting Vice Chancellor, citing the need to restore order, sanity, and academic excellence to the institution. They also called for the dissolution or replacement of other key principal officers who have demonstrated incompetence and negligence.
Demand for New Leadership
The stakeholders demanded the appointment of a capable and visionary crisis manager, preferably an experienced academic administrator of Edo State origin, who possesses the emotional intelligence, ethical integrity, and administrative capacity to restore order, rebuild public trust, and reposition AAU for national and global relevance.
Government’s Response
The Edo State Government has yet to respond to the allegations and demands. However, stakeholders are urging Governor Okpebholo to take immediate action to address the crisis and restore the university’s reputation.
The situation at AAU has raised concerns about the future of the institution and the welfare of its students, faculty, and staff. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the calls for Prof. Samuel’s removal.
