The Executive Committee of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Alumni Association have decried the crisis rocking the university, including the increment in school fees
by the Vice Chancellor,Prof. Asomwan Adagboyin.
The Committee which comprises of all branch chairmen, in a press statement signed by Comrade Ehiorobo Friday on behalf of branch Chairmen and made available to journalists in Benin City.Edo Edo said the Alumni Association, “is deeply disturbed by the events unfolding in our great institution, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma on the
burning issue of increment of student’s school fees by the school administration led
by the Vice Chancellor,Prof. Asomwan Adagboyin.”
The Committee also carpeted the University administration,led by the Vice Chancellor,Prof. Asomwan Adagboyin,the Visitor to the University and the Edo State Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for lack of consultation before the increment.
“It is very sad that the school authority can take such action of school fees increment
without consulting the various stakeholders especially when the economic situation in
the country is hitting hard on the masses whose children form the bulk of the students in
the university and again, upholding the words of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki who repeatedly assured Edo people and students of the University of no increment in school fees.
“The purported meeting of the so-called stakeholders with the University Administration
and some persons parading themselves as Executive of the Alumni Association headed by
an imposture and desperate,one Mr. Clifford Omozeghian is a clear move by the
university authority to deceive the masses into believing that the Ambrose Alli University
Alumni Association Worldwide is in support of this action. We the chairmen of branches
want to state that, the action by the school authority is arbitrary, insensitive and callous.
For the purpose of clarity, the said Mr. Clifford Omozeghian is not the president of the
Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association worldwide but emerged from an election that
produced two presidentsin December, 2022 and the matter is before the Benin High
Court for determination. However, since the announcement of the hike in fees, Mr.
Omozeghian has been capitalizing on the situation to seek for cheap recognition.
“In this regard
It should be understood constitutionally that such a dubious personality
does not have the mandate and support of the estimable AAU Alumni Association
Community Worldwide.”
The group also, called on the Edo people to disregard all publication made to believe that the Alumni is in support of the increment in school fees.
“To this end, we are calling on the good people of Edo State,
student and the various stakeholders of the Ambrose Alli University to disregard such
publications of the assumed president of the Worldwide Alumni Association of the great
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
“Again, it should be noted by the general public that the Alumni Association Worldwide is not in any way in support of the increased school fees.
Furthermore, the Executive Council of AAU Alumni Association wishes to advise the
University Authority to stop any form of discussion with Hon. Chief Ogbejiele Fidelisand
Mr Clifford Omozeghian on behalf of the Alumni Association. This is because of the pending court case that is currently beforea Benin High Court file No.B/ 250 05/22for
abuseand disregard of AAU Alumni Association Constitution which has led to the emergency of the two factional Presidents in persons of Hon. Chief Ogbejiele Fidelis
and Mr Clifford Omozeghian.
The Alumni Association further promised that any fees fixed notin collaboration with the
Student Body and not in consonance with other Sisters State Universities will not be
acceptable by the Alumni Association and Students Body.”
The Association also commend the Students Union Government, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other interest groups for their concerted efforts in the
struggle to ensure equity, fairness and Justice in AAU regarding School fees issues, since education is a right of citizen and not a privilege.
