The Chairman, Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen has reinstated the council’s commitment to repositioning the university to achieve optimal functionality.
He stated this during a courtesy visit with members of the council to the Onojie of Ekpoma, HRH (Barr.) Anthony Abumere II, recently.
Odafen said that the council’s visit to the traditional ruler was to formally inform the Onojie of their appointments to serve in the university, an appointment he described as “call to service”.
He said: “Your Highness, my members and I are in your Palace today to inform you that we have been called upon to serve our land and our University in our capacities as members of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
“We all know that our university has been going through various challenges to the extent that the media is awashed with negative stories of various dimensions about an institution that once led the comity of Universities in Nigeria.
“How did we get here? While we ask ourselves these questions, we want to assure you, your Highness, the good people of Ekpoma, our host community, the Esan people, the entire Edo State people and Nigerians that we are more determined to work and bring the University back to track.
“We need your prayers as we embarked on this rejuvenating journey. It is also important to inform you that the journey has started in earnest, as the process to have a substantive Vice Chancellor has commenced with the appointment of Professor Samuel Olowo as the new Acting Vice Chancellor with immediate effect.”
Responding, HRH Anthony Abumere ll, thanked the chairman and members of the governing council for their visit.
He assured that his palace and the people of Ekpoma will work with the council and the new management to bring the university back to life.
He advised the council and the new management to work with all the relevant stakeholders harmoniously, so that no one is left behind in its quest to rejige the workings of the university.
Meanwhile, the New Acting Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Samuel Olowo, is expected to formally take over the mantle of authorities to manage the institution from the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asomwan Sunnie Adagbonyin at a ceremony slated for Monday 2nd of September 2024.
According to the University’s Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol, Otunba Mike Aladenika,Prof. Samuel Olowo who is the Acting Provost of the University’s College of Medicine, is expected to take full charge of the University as the Acting Vice Chancellor pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Otunba Aladenika further said the Ceremony which will be presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen will be attended by top management staff.
