FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, has dismissed insinuations suggesting that it has been directed by the Edo State government to restart the process of appointing a substantive vice chancellor.
The council insisted that the selection exercise it conducted remains valid, stressing that only petitions which emerged after the exercise are currently being reviewed.
A statement issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Media and Protocol, Otunba Michael Aladenika, said “the Governing Council, chaired by Chief Dan Orbih, carried out the process strictly in line with the university’s extant laws.”
According to Aladenika, “The vacancy for the office of vice chancellor was publicly advertised in three national dailies. Applications were received across the country and qualified candidates were invited for interview.
“At the end of the rigorous exercise, three names were shortlisted by the council, based strictly on merit, their qualifications and performance, and forwarded to the governor for consideration.
He stated that the council’s recommendations were made in strict compliance with the extant laws setting up Ambrose Alli University, without bias or interference. Everything was done by the book. The law requires three names to be sent to the governor and that was exactly what the council did,” the statement added.
The petitions filed after the interview had been concluded, with some individuals questioning aspects of the process and the eligibility of certain candidates.
He stated that the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, wrote a letter dated July 30 to the Governing Council’s chairman acknowledging receipt of the three recommended names, but requested the council to review the petitions and assess their validity.
According to him, the process has not been cancelled. Instead, it remains on track, with government and council working together to ensure that fairness, legality and merit remain at the heart of the decision.”
