Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has debunked allegations of financial impropriety leveled against the new Governing Council by an online media platform.
Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, Principal Assistant Registrar (Information, Communication, and Public Relations), described the report as “fact turned on its head” and “sponsored write-up intended to cry wolf where there’s none.”
According to Aladenika, the allegations are baseless and aimed at de-marketing the university. “It’s unfortunate that some individuals have become tools for divisive elements seeking to bring the institution down.”
Regarding the financial decision in question, Aladenika explained:
“At the Governing Council’s first meeting, members reviewed the university’s financial records and discovered idle funds in various accounts. To maximize returns, the council chose Globus Bank’s 15% interest rate offer, expected to yield at least ₦100 million in interest. This will help offset financial burdens.”
Aladenika emphasized the importance of seeking information and verifying facts. “We urge stakeholders to disregard baseless allegations and support the university’s progress.”
Similarly, Aladenika has called on the leadership of the University’s Chapter of ASUU to allow a convivial atmosphere of mutual understanding to thrive with a view to collectively grow the institution
Aladenika who stated this in reaction to a press release issued by the Union, said, “Our comrades in ASUU may mean well in their various demands in their release, but should know that life is give-and-take. ASUU and other Unions, Associations coexist in this ecosystem. We should all have ideas that AAU has the potentiality to be greater than what we have now.
“Three months in the life span of the Governing Council may not be enough for it to be able to address the catalogues of problems inherited from the Special Intervention Team (SIT).
Is it the backlog of unpaid salaries, the non promotion of staff, the non conducive working atmosphere among other things that were inherited but now been addressed?
The Governing Council led by its Chairman, Dr.Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen is working, let’s continue to support them. Workers have been appraised and promoted. Those removed from the payroll have been restored and are gradually been paid. Those who were allegedly victimised have gotten justice. The Truths and Reconciliation Panel is attending to hundreds of petitions.
“As it is now, over 90 percent of staff and students in the University community are happy with what the Dr Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen-led Governing Council is enjoying the support and confidence of all. Let us all team up as a body not to de-market AAU rather we should work as an indivisible body”, said Aladenika.