Investigations show that 30 students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, a state-owned institution in Edo State, have completed their exams and graduated from the university while residing abroad for a period of at least two years.
Mr. Austin Osakue, a member of the Special Intervention Team (SIT) of the university, disclosed this during the presentation of the team’s progress report to Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in Benin City.
Additionally, Mr. Osakue revealed that the disciplinary committee of the university had dismissed five staff members for alleged criminal offenses, while another 21 staff members were undergoing investigation for similar misconduct.
Osakue also emphasized that the university had identified cases involving over 30 students who had been residing abroad for more than two years, yet had been able to write exams and graduate.
The staff members and department heads implicated in these cases have been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further action.
Furthermore, Osakue requested that the State Government establish a Governing Council and commence the process of hiring principal officers for the institution. He emphasized the need to review the institution’s enabling laws to properly recognize the efforts of the SIT.
He also highlighted the university’s adherence to the Edo State Government’s directive to implement the contributory pension scheme, with exemptions granted to staff members with less than seven years remaining before retirement.
On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the university’s reputation and ensuring its readiness for EdoBEST students who are expected to seek admission within the next five to six years. He stressed the importance of improving the institution’s standards and dealing with any factors that might hinder its progress.
The Governor assured that the search for members of the Governing Council would commence soon, along with presenting a new bill to the Edo House of Assembly for the university’s reformation.
Obaseki also acknowledged the impact of political interference on the university’s situation and underscored the need to elevate it to a first-class institution for the betterment of future generations.
