Our reporter
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, remains gripped by a tense calm as uncertainty continues to shroud the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor, causing growing concerns within the university community.
The selection process, already concluded by the University’s Governing Council, has seen the names of three top candidates forwarded to the Visitor of the institution, who is the Governor of Edo State. However, the Governor’s delay in announcing a decision has stirred speculation and unease, particularly over mounting pressure from interest groups advocating for an Esan candidate.
At the heart of the impasse are claims that ethnic considerations — specifically an “Esan Agenda” — are influencing the process. While such advocacy is not unusual in Nigerian higher education politics, this instance has drawn criticism even from within the Esan community.
Two respected Esan socio-cultural organisations, the Esan People’s Progressive Union (EPPU) and Ibhioje Progressive Union (IPU), have jointly urged the Governor to uphold meritocracy. In a press briefing, both groups stressed that while an Esan candidate would be welcomed, the university must not be held back by ethnic sentiments.
“We want a substantive Vice Chancellor of Esan extraction, but in the present circumstances, this has eluded us. The only available reality should be embraced by all in the interest of the growth and development of the institution,” the statement read.
Despite the outward calm, insiders report a simmering tension within the academic and administrative communities, with many staff and students keenly awaiting clarity. A senior lecturer who spoke on condition of anonymity remarked, “We are simply hoping that merit wins. AAU has endured enough instability in recent years.”
The Governor, who has previously been praised for prioritising competence in his public appointments, is now under close scrutiny as the university community watches and waits. For AAU Ekpoma, a timely and merit-based resolution could mark a turning point in its quest for stability and progress.
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