By Jessica Osajie / Posted February 5, 2025
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the Chief Dan Orbih-led Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, with an urgent mandate to restore the institution’s lost glory.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
The statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, said the inauguration ceremony took place at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.
Gov Okpebholo emphasized the pivotal role of education in development and highlighted AAU’s significant contribution to this mission. He urged council to work with dedication, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility to reestablish the university as a center of academic excellence.
The Governor was accompanied by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu; former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Phillip Shaibu; former Minister of State, Budget and Economic Planning, Prince Clem Agba; and former member representing Oredo at the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, among others.
This development follows the Governor’s earlier decision in November 2024 to dissolve the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAU, as part of a broader strategy to restructure and enhance the performance of these institutions.
The Governor urged the council to work with dedication, vision and deep sense of responsibility, just as he advised them to work together and restore the reputation of the institution as a centre of academic excellence.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
According to him, “Education is the bedrock of development and Ambrose Alli University holds a special place in Edo State as the institution has produced some of the finest minds in Nigeria and it is our responsibility to restore its lost glory and ensure its continuous existence.
“One of the first steps my administration took in restoring the lost glory of the institution was to increase its monthly subvention from N41 million to N500 million.
“This is a bold step that reflects our commitment to the revival of AAU. We also introduced special intervention to accelerate infrastructural development, ensuring that students and staff have the needed resources to thrive.”
Governor Okpebholo also said his administration has been able to intervene and ensure that the challenge facing the over 100 medical students of the institution was finally resolved, bringing smiles back to their faces.
“To members of the governing council, this is your time to make a lasting impact as you have been chosen because we believe in your ability to restore the lost glory of AAU. I urge you to strive with dedication, vision and deep sense of responsibility. Let us work together and restore its reputation and make it a center of academic excellence once again.
“To the university community, management, Staff and students, let me assure you that this administration will continue to support you in every possible way. Together, we will build a brighter future for Ambrose Alli University,” he pledged.
Chairman of the Council, Chief Dan Orbih, expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve.
He noted that education is the key to the future of Edo State and the role of AAU in the development of the state cannot be overemphasized.
“It is clear from the steps you have taken so far that the move is to bring the university back to life,” he said.
Members of the council include Prof. Friday Okonofua; Prof. Steve Amiemenkharu; Hon. Lukman Muhammad; Prof Idialu Jeremiah Uwaifo; Prof. Eric Kelly Inanemo Omogbai and Prof Omoruyi Ikponmwonsa Osahon.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
The reconstitution of the AAU Governing Council under Chief Dan Orbih’s leadership marks a significant step in the state’s excitement to revitalizing its educational institutions and ensuring they meet global standards of academic excellence.
This is another campaign promise fulfilled.
NOTE: Jessica is on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at
DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).