By Usman Aliyu
Management of the State-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, says Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s approved N500 million monthly subvention has revived the institution, ending years of financial crisis and restoring stability.
The institution’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Samuel made the remarks on Thursday during a news conference at the .
According to him, the intervention represents a dramatic shift from the N41 million monthly allocation received under the former Gov. Godwin Obaseki administration.
He described the previous “meagre allocation” as crippling, noting that it left the university unable to meet obligations between 2021 and 2024.
He explained that the drastic reduction from the N270 million provided under former Gov. Adams Oshiomhole’s administration to just N41 million plunged the institution into salary arrears, pension delays, and unrest.
“With Okpebholo’s N500 million monthly support, we have been able to promptly pay staff salaries, settle pension obligations, and implement the new N70,000 minimum wage.
“The labourer deserves his wages, and we are now living up to that principle,” he said.
Samuel further disclosed that all staff members, who were politically sacked by the defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) had been reinstated in line with the governor’s directives.
He added that those wrongly delisted from the payroll during a controversial biometric exercise had also been returned.
The acting vice chancellor noted that renewed synergy with security agencies had curbed cultism and fostered peace within the university community.
He commended Gov. Okpebholo and the governing council, led by Chief Dan Orbih, for their deliberate policies, which were promoting institutional stability and inclusive governance.
Samuel, however, pledged continued support for the governor’s vision of rebuilding and repositioning the university into a world-class institution.
According to him, the present stability is laying the foundation for lasting growth and development. (NAN)
