Education
'Ambrose Alli University was on life support', Okpebholo vows revival amid inherited crises
Written By: Abdullahi Izuagbe
16 Dec 2025 10:46 AM
Benin, Edo – Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has candidly acknowledged that Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, was "on life support" due to severe challenges inherited from previous administrations, pledging his government's full commitment to resuscitating the institution and restoring its former glory.
The stark assessment came during a courtesy visit by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, and her management team to the Government House in Benin City on Monday.
Governor Okpebholo, responding to a detailed presentation on the university's plight, stated: "From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming office. I am impressed by your efforts, and I want to assure you that in any way possible, this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory."
The governor described the non-payment of staff salaries for several years as "unfair and unacceptable," vowing to treat the accumulated arrears running into billions of naira for salaries, pensions, and gratuities as a priority project.
"It is not right for people to work and not be paid. These are issues inherited from the past government, and we will address them," he emphasized.
Professor Omonzejie, who described the institution she inherited as "moribund," highlighted ongoing struggles including infrastructural decay, accreditation hurdles, and critical facility shortages, particularly for programs like Medical Laboratory Science and the College of Medicine.
She noted that delays in accreditation exercises and assessments had postponed the visit.
However, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for what she called "life-saving interventions" by the Okpebholo administration, including increased monthly subvention, restoration of affected staff to payroll, support for backlog medical students' graduation, enhanced security, and road construction facilitation through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The governor also addressed needs for hostel upgrades, lecture theatres, and accreditation support, noting that while the 2025 budget is advanced, these priorities should be captured in proposals for consideration.
AAU has faced prolonged crises, with reports of salary arrears dating back years and disputes over payments persisting into 2025.
The administration's early actions, such as raising subvention and appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor in September, signal efforts to stabilize the university once known for academic excellence.
The meeting, attended by key officials including the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Education, underscores Governor Okpebholo's focus on education revival in Edo State.
The stark assessment came during a courtesy visit by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, and her management team to the Government House in Benin City on Monday.
Governor Okpebholo, responding to a detailed presentation on the university's plight, stated: "From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming office. I am impressed by your efforts, and I want to assure you that in any way possible, this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory."
The governor described the non-payment of staff salaries for several years as "unfair and unacceptable," vowing to treat the accumulated arrears running into billions of naira for salaries, pensions, and gratuities as a priority project.
"It is not right for people to work and not be paid. These are issues inherited from the past government, and we will address them," he emphasized.
Professor Omonzejie, who described the institution she inherited as "moribund," highlighted ongoing struggles including infrastructural decay, accreditation hurdles, and critical facility shortages, particularly for programs like Medical Laboratory Science and the College of Medicine.
She noted that delays in accreditation exercises and assessments had postponed the visit.
However, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for what she called "life-saving interventions" by the Okpebholo administration, including increased monthly subvention, restoration of affected staff to payroll, support for backlog medical students' graduation, enhanced security, and road construction facilitation through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The governor also addressed needs for hostel upgrades, lecture theatres, and accreditation support, noting that while the 2025 budget is advanced, these priorities should be captured in proposals for consideration.
AAU has faced prolonged crises, with reports of salary arrears dating back years and disputes over payments persisting into 2025.
The administration's early actions, such as raising subvention and appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor in September, signal efforts to stabilize the university once known for academic excellence.
The meeting, attended by key officials including the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Education, underscores Governor Okpebholo's focus on education revival in Edo State.
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