By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The management of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma has frowned at the attitude of some mischief makers who have been spreading false narratives to demarket the institution for personal gains, accusing them of being those who unleashed the Special Intervention Team (SIT) regime on the university, that almost brought it on its knees.
This was made known yesterday by the Principal Assistant Registrar/ Information and Public Relations of the institution, Mike Ade Aladenika while briefing journalists on the activities of the institution in Benin City.
According to him, "One online platform has published false stories about AAU, including a recent report about an alleged protest and the shutting of our university's gate. I'd like to clarify that we took notice of the publication with the headline 'AAU Students protest over exams delays, Unpaid Lecturers and Management Inaction.
"The facts is that a gathering was held at the university gate, where part-time students from the Directorate of Sciences and Humanities (DSH) sought clarification on their course of study. The university management promptly responded to their concerns, providing further information and assurances that satisfied the students. There was no protest that could warrant tension in the university, contrary to the erroneous report.
"For clarity, the current administration, led by Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, inherited a dormant part-time programme with significant challenges, including a backlog of un-cleared claims, examinations, and other issues. These challenges were largely due to poor government funding over the past eight years and restrictive policies imposed by the previous Special Intervention Team (SIT). Despite these challenges, the current administration has made notable progress in revitalizing the programme".
Aladenika said the current administration has achieved notable milestones, including securing JAMB registration numbers and admission letters for DSH students, adding that efforts are underway to enable DSH graduates participate in the NYSC programme, which is similar to their full-time counterparts. He also said that the university is currently advertising for admissions for the 2024/2025 academic session, and the response level from interested candidates has been encouraging.
He noted that Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma is currently enjoying peace, with no more protests or gate closures.
"This stability is attributable to divine providence, the effective leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, the cooperation and understanding from staff, unions, and students, and most notably, the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration.
"Our College of Medicine faced significant challenges in the past, including a suspension of admissions and delayed graduations due to over-admission. This led to students taking up to 10 years or more to complete courses that have 5 to 6 years duration".
He praised the leadership style of the Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, whose efforts had made the college progress remarkably, stressing that the institution has successfully graduated medical students in batches, inducted over 800 nursing graduates, and has nearly resolved the MLS issues.
"Most importantly, relevant regulatory bodies have given us consent to admit students into all programs in the college. This marks a new era of growth and opportunity for our institution.
The Law Faculty at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has indeed made a remarkable comeback. After facing the threat of de-accreditation, the faculty has regained its former glory, thanks to the diligent management, support of the Governing Council, and backing of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration".
He said the new management ensures students graduate within the stipulated timeframe and has equally demonstrated its commitment to improving academic processes and student experience.
He further disclosed that the institution has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese university, paving the way for technology transfer and exchange programmes, adding that this partnership will undoubtedly enhance the institution's academic and research capabilities, solidifying its position as a leading institution.
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