Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured the management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, of his administration’s commitment to resolving accumulated unpaid salaries, gratuities and other critical challenges inherited from past governments.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday when he received the Vice‑Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie and members of her management team during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo congratulated the Vice‑Chancellor and her team on their appointments, noting that their presentation highlighted the depth of challenges facing the institution.
He said, “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.”
Addressing the issue of accumulated salary arrears, the governor described the non‑payment of staff salaries for several years as unfair and unacceptable.
Okpebholo declared, “It is not right for people to work and not be paid. The issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira is something I will take as a project.
“These are issues inherited from the past government, and we will address them.”
Governor Okpebholo also acknowledged other concerns raised by management, including deteriorating hostel facilities, accreditation‑related challenges, and infrastructure needs for programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science.
He said, “This year’s budget is already at an advanced stage, but I expect that these critical needs will be properly captured in your budget proposals. Once that is done, we will see how best to move the institutions forward.”
Earlier, Professor Omonzejie explained that the delay in visiting the governor was due to a recently concluded accreditation exercise and the need to assess the university’s state thoroughly.
She described the institution she inherited as in a “moribund state,” plagued by infrastructure deficits, unpaid salaries, and accreditation issues.
Omonzejie expressed profound appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what she termed “life‑saving interventions” since his assumption of office.
According to her, the governor’s approval of increased monthly subventions, restoration of affected staff to the payroll, support for graduating backlog medical students, improved security logistics, and facilitation of road construction through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have significantly revived the university.
The Vice‑Chancellor formally presented pressing needs requiring urgent attention, including accumulated unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities, union deductions, construction of lecture theatres and hostels and facilities to enhance accreditation and expand student intake, especially in the College of Medicine.
The courtesy visit was attended by top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu; and the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mrs Sede.