Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, has pledged to address the longstanding unpaid salaries and gratuities owed to staff of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, promising that his administration will ensure financial relief and institutional revitalization.
The assurance came during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Omonzejie, and her management team to the Governor’s office in Benin, where they highlighted the challenges facing the university.
Okpebholo commended the Vice-Chancellor for her efforts in stabilizing the institution, noting, “From your presentation, it is evident that Ambrose Alli University has been operating under severe strain.
Your progress so far is commendable, and this administration is committed to supporting the university to regain its lost glory.”
On the issue of arrears, the Governor described the years of unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities as “unfair and unacceptable,” emphasising that resolving these financial obligations, which run into billions of naira, would be a priority.
Beyond salary concerns, Okpebholo acknowledged other pressing challenges, including inadequate hostel facilities, accreditation hurdles, and gaps in specialized programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science.
He assured the university management that critical needs would be reflected in the state’s forthcoming budget proposals.
Professor Omonzejie, who assumed office in a university facing severe infrastructural decay and financial challenges, said the delay in meeting with the Governor followed a recently concluded accreditation exercise and a detailed assessment of the institution’s status.
She expressed gratitude for the Governor’s interventions since taking office, including increased government subventions, restoration of the university payroll, support for medical students, enhanced security measures, and infrastructure projects facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to formally present urgent needs, such as outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities, and union deductions, to the state government.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, and the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu.
Okpebholo’s commitment signals a renewed focus on revitalizing AAU and addressing the decades-long financial and infrastructural deficits affecting staff and students alike.
