The Implications of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Reluctance to Appoint a Substantive Vice-Chancellor for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

The Implications of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Reluctance to Appoint a Substantive Vice-Chancellor for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

By Nosetale Ebosele

Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, is currently enmeshed in a growing leadership crisis as the process of appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC) has stalled. Despite the University’s Governing Council submitting, more than three weeks ago, a shortlist of three qualified candidates — following a transparent and merit-based selection process — the Governor of the State and Visitor to the University, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has failed to make the required appointment.

Reliable reports suggest that the delay is due to the Governor’s confusion and fear arising from the intense political pressure from the Presidency, which is allegedly insisting on the appointment of the First Lady’s preferred candidate, a female Professor in the Modern Languages Department at the University. This candidate did not even rank among the top six candidates during the interview let alone make the list of three names. This particular individual is said to lack the requisite administrative experience to lead a complex institution like AAU, and is widely regarded by academic insiders as a termagant, unstable, and grossly temperamental academic. She has, in her desperation, however, continued to put pressure through her contact, blackmail the Governor and spin conspiracy theories, which has increased the Governor’s dilemma.

According to the Ambrose Alli University Law 1999 (as amended), the process for appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor is clearly laid out:
1. The University Governing Council conducts interviews of all eligible applicants.
2. The Council recommends the top three performing candidates to the Governor (Visitor to the University).
3. The Governor is empowered by law to appoint one candidate from this list.

The Council diligently followed this process, concluding a rigorous and credible interview exercise that resulted in the submission of three names — all academically and administratively sound candidates with proven track records.

It is alleged that the Aso Rock personality is using her influence over Senator Okpebholo as political leverage, because she played a significant role in his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2024 Edo elections. It is noteworthy that Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole, an APC Chieftain, had initially opposed his candidacy and aligned instead with Mr. Dennis Idahosa, who is now Edo Deputy Governor, until the intervention of Madam First Lady. Sources close to the matter indicate that this political debt is now being called in at the expense of due process and institutional integrity.

The implications of the Governor’s inaction are as follows:

1. Violation of University Law: The continued delay and possible attempt to appoint a non-shortlisted candidate would amount to a flagrant breach of the AAU Law 1999 (as amended) and would be tantamount to executive overreach.
2. Institutional Damage: Ignoring merit and due process for political appeasement would significantly undermine the credibility of the university’s leadership recruitment process, possibly leading to legal action, protests, or internal unrest.
3. Loss of Morale and Confidence: Staff and students are already losing confidence in the process. Appointing an underqualified candidate through political maneuvering will deepen mistrust and disillusionment within the university community.
4. Precedent of Politicization: Such interference sets a dangerous precedent for future appointments, effectively reducing one of Nigeria’s respected state universities to a pawn in political chess games.
5. Governance Vacuum: With the continued absence of a substantive VC, long-term planning, budget implementation, and institutional reforms are paralyzed. The academic calendar and staff welfare are also affected by the uncertainty.
Senator Monday Okpebholo stands at a defining moment of his political and moral leadership. His decision will either uphold the sanctity of higher education in Edo State or sacrifice it for political expediency.

The laws governing AAU are unambiguous — he is to appoint one out of the three candidates presented by the Governing Council. Any deviation will constitute a breach of law and a betrayal of public trust.

The Governor is therefore advised to take the following steps:
1. Immediate Appointment Based on Merit: The Governor should fulfill his legal obligation by appointing one of the three shortlisted candidates without further delay.
2. Resist Political Blackmail: Political gratitude must not override the rule of law. The Governor must recognize that the integrity of AAU is more important than appeasing individual political actors, no matter how influential.

Until the above is done and stakeholders are guaranteed a merit-driven appointment process, alumni associations, civil society, and the media must demand accountability and resist any attempt to foist an unqualified candidate on the institution. If an unqualified candidate is imposed, stakeholders must be prepared to seek legal redress to safeguard the autonomy and future of the university.

AAU, Ekpoma, deserves a Vice Chancellor who has earned the position on merit, not one installed through backdoor political manipulation. Any action contrary to this ideal is a threat to education, rule of law, and institutional integrity in Edo State and Nigeria at large.