Gov. Monday Okpebholo has assured Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, of his administration’s commitment to addressing accumulated unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities inherited from previous governments. The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, and her management team on Monday in Benin.
Okpebholo commended the university’s management for their progress despite the institution being “on life support” and emphasized the administration’s support to reposition the university and restore its lost glory. He described years of unpaid wages as unfair and unacceptable, adding that resolving the issue, which runs into billions of naira, would be a priority.
The governor also acknowledged other challenges highlighted by the Vice-Chancellor, including hostel infrastructure, accreditation hurdles, and facilities for programmes like Medical Laboratory Science, assuring that critical needs would be incorporated in the forthcoming state budget.
Prof. Omonzejie explained that the delay in visiting the governor followed a completed accreditation exercise and a detailed assessment of the university’s condition. She described the institution she inherited as moribund, facing infrastructural decay, salary arrears, and accreditation issues, but commended government interventions including increased subvention, payroll restoration, support for medical students, improved security, and NDDC-facilitated road construction.
The meeting also included senior officials such as Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, and Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu.