Stakeholders at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma have criticized the appointment of Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika as Head of Corporate Communication within the University.
They stated that the role is not in alignment with the University’s established career structure and constitutes a violation of the University’s Scheme of Service.
Mr. Aladenika was appointed to lead what is typically the Division of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol within the Vice Chancellor’s office, a role traditionally held by a Deputy Registrar (DR) or Principal Assistant Registrar (PAR).
According to Trojan News report, reliable sources within the University revealed that Mr. Aladenika’s appointment was made without adhering to due process, and he was placed at level 13, equivalent to a PAR, despite lacking relevant experience within the University system.
“How can you just bring in someone who has never worked before in a University system and made him Head of a Division on level 13? What experience has Aladenika got in the University system to be given such a position of the status of a DR or PAR? Who interviewed him for the position of DR’S status, and when was the position advertised?”, the sources queried.
Stakeholders are critical of the introduction of the Head of Corporate Communications role within the University, considering it as incompatible with the established career structure.
They view Mr. Aladenika’s appointment as an anomaly and a breach of the University’s Scheme of Service, laws, and regulations, suggesting that it goes against University traditions and cannot be sustained over time.
These stakeholders are also concerned about the overall state of the University, particularly since the imposition of the Special Intervention Team (SIT), which they believe has led to administrative irregularities such as the appointment of individuals with titles like Bursar-in-Charge, Overseer, and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellors, despite the presence of an Acting Vice Chancellor.
“These are administrative abnormalities and impunities that have become the lot of the University, making the University a laughing stock in the comity of Universities in the country”, the sources further said.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Mr. Aladenika was brought into the University in an unconventional manner by the de facto Chairman of SIT, Mr. Austin Osakue, with the purpose of engaging in a media campaign and covering up perceived destructive actions within the University.