By Angela Atabo and Odunayo Joshua
The Ambrose Alli Alumni Association, FCT Chapter, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to fulfil his promise to revitalise Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
Dr Clifford Omozeghian, the Worldwide President of the Alumni Association, made the call at the 3rd Annual Lecture Series/Wazobia Cultural Day and End of the Year Dinner and Award Night in Abuja.
Omozeghian emphasised that the university had been in a state of disrepair and required urgent rehabilitation.
He urged the governor to use his influence to ensure the university received necessary support to revamp its infrastructure and address manpower shortages.
Okpebholo, who assumed office on Nov. 12, 2024, had promised to improve the university during his campaign.
“That university has been downtrodden for a while and needs revamping and rehabilitation.
“We have utmost confidence that the governor will fulfil each and every promise he has made towards the advancement of Ambrose Alli University.
“There are structural projects that must be carried out; there is a manpower shortage that must be looked into.
“There are many things that need improvement at the university. So, we are calling on the governor to use his good offices to ensure that AAU comes back to life,” he said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University, Prof. Sunday Samuel, highlighted challenges facing the university, including unpaid staff salaries, infrastructure decay, and manpower shortages.
In spite of his efforts to address these challenges since assuming duty in September, Samuel acknowledged that government intervention was necessary.
Samuel expressed optimism that Gov. Okpebholo’s support had already started yielding results, citing his effort in sponsoring staff to attend a World Vocational and Technical Education Conference in China.
Also, Collins Aimuan, Founder of Philomath University, stressed the importance of unity in diversity in contemporary Nigeria.
He attributed the dwindling of Nigeria’s culture and tradition to colonialism and Western culture.
Dr Peter Orobor, Chairman of the AU Alumni Association, FCT, stated that the event aimed to promote Nigeria’s culture and appreciate members contributing to national development.
“We award them to show appreciation and encourage them to do more. Our objective is to build a better society, where Nigeria becomes an enviable country among nations.
“We envision Nigeria leading the pace in development, empowering its citizens, and making them ahead of others.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured an annual lecture series, cultural displays, and an awards ceremony honouring outstanding alumni members and notable Nigerians.(NAN)
