The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, said that the reduction of monthly subvention from N270 million to N41 million by the administration of Godwin Obaseki, former governor, adversely affected the running of the institution.
Sunday Olowo Samuel, acting vice chancellor of the university, disclosed this at a press briefing at the institution’s main campus in Ekpoma.
Samuel said that the former governor reduced the monthly subvention to N41 million from the initial N270 million by the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.
He said that the monthly subvention was, however, increased to N500 million by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He said that the increment to N500 million since November 2024, however, enabled the university to address some of the financial backlog inherited from the previous administration.
According to him, before this administration, the university experienced poor funding as a result of the reduction of its monthly subvention of N270 million, which was grossly inadequate to N41 million since 2021, with adverse effects on the university.
“But by divine intervention and the goodwill of the Executive Governor and Visitor to the school, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, the monthly subvention was increased to N500 million since November 2024,” he said.
He also added that the delay in the payment of salaries and pensions is now in the past as the prompt payment of salaries and pensions to pensioners has been the hallmark of his administration.
He also disclosed that in line with the directives of Governor Okpebholo, all politically sacked staff by the defunct Special Intervention Team, SIT, have been reinstated.
Samuel that said the reinstatement was in demonstration of his administration’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“Due to the controversial biometric exercise conducted by the defunct Special Intervention Team, a lot of staff have had their names removed from the university’s payroll. All the staff members that were removed from the payroll have been reinstated,” he added.
The AAU acting vice chancellor, further stated that the earlier ban of sponsorship of staff to have access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, for funding for academic development has been restored.
He said that with the embargo lifted, staff can now benefit from sponsorship for conferences, capacity-building programmes, and research activities, restoring lost opportunities.
He also added that due to his commitment to security, security agencies were given the mandate to improve security architecture and ameliorate cultism on campus.
He stated that the synergy has continued to yield tremendous results, as visible peace is currently being enjoyed on campus.
He commended the state governor and the governing council of the institution, led by Dan Orbi, for the deliberate policies aimed at institutional stability and inclusive governance, thereby promoting peace and a harmonious atmosphere within the university.
Samue pledged his continued cooperation with the state government and the governor of the state, Monday Okpebholo, and supported his vision in rebuilding and repositioning the university towards progress, growth and development with the ultimate goal of making the school a world-class university.
