Ambrose Ali University ASUU Welcomes Constitution Of Governing Council, Lists Demands

By Ayodele Oni

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University, (AAU), Ekpoma Chapter, has welcomed the constitution of a seven-member Governing Council for the university.

The Council is chaired by Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen to  replace the Special Intervention Team (SIT), which has been running the university.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Visitor to the institution had on Thursday, 11th July, 2024, in accordance with AAU Law 1999 (As Amended), announced the constitution of the Governing Council.

In a joint statement by Dr. Cyril Onogbosele and Dr. William Odion, the Chairman and Secretary, respectively of ASUU, AAU chapter, they remarked that the development marked a significant departure from what they insisted was the tumultuous reign of the SIT.

They stated that SIT  perpetuated a culture of crises and impunities that undermined the university’s autonomy and academic freedom.

Onogbosele and Odion alerted the council members of numerous problems the reign of SIT created, which they have to deal with such as unresolved administrative lapses and staff welfare issues in the university.

They listed the unbridled breach of the university’s autonomy in terms of procedural self-governance, substantive independence and academic freedom; lack of funding by the state government; and the absence of substantive principal officers (vice chancellor, registrar, bursar, librarian and provost) in the last three years.

The unionists also fumed at the arbitrary removal/replacement of elected deans of faculties; the non-payment of salaries/allowances of many staff; non-implementation of the award of 25 and 35 percent increase in the salaries of academic staff.