AAU CRISIS NARRATIVE DISPUTED AS STAKEHOLDERS MOUNT ROBUST DEFENCE OF VICE-CHANCELLOR OMONZEJIE

A fresh storm has broken over Ambrose Alli University as concerned stakeholders forcefully pushed back allegations published on March 31, 2026, by an online platform, the9jatrend, describing the report as a calculated attempt to misrepresent the state of affairs within the institution and undermine its leadership. At the centre of the controversy is the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, whose administration has been accused of friction with the university’s Governing Council—claims stakeholders insist are not only exaggerated but fundamentally misleading.

In a detailed response, the stakeholders dismantled the allegation that the Vice-Chancellor deliberately withheld allowances due to Council members, explaining that what was portrayed as misconduct was in fact a procedural safeguard necessitated by changes in financial signatories and the discovery of some individuals in the payment voucher who are not legitimate Council members. They maintained that due diligence required verification of attendance and proper documentation before any disbursement of funds could be authorized, framing the delay as a reflection of accountability rather than defiance.

They also rejected claims surrounding the withdrawal of official vehicles and the relocation of Council members’ accommodation. At no time did management withdraw Council Official vehicle from them. Beside, Council members were moved to a newly built, more comfortable hotel within Ekpoma, strategically closer to the university environment, a move they argue enhanced coordination rather than diminished status.

On the appointment of The Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ appointment was approved by the Governing Council following the recommendation by the VC in consultation with the University Senate, as spelt out in the 4th schedule of the University Laws – section 28.

On the contentious issue of union unrest, stakeholders were unequivocal in distancing the Vice-Chancellor from any form of instigation, stressing that disputes relating to the appointments of key officials such as the Bursar and Internal Auditor predated her emergence as Vice-Chancellor on September 22, 2025. They described attempts to link her to those tensions as a deliberate distortion of timelines designed to assign blame where none exists.

The role of the Visitor to the university, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was also brought into focus, with stakeholders emphasizing that Prof. Omonzejie’s appointment was based on merit and aligned with a broader reform agenda aimed at repositioning the institution. They dismissed insinuations that her emergence was intended to weaken the Governing Council, instead portraying it as part of a structured effort to strengthen governance and restore institutional integrity.

However, the response went further, to shed light on what it described as internal resistance within the Council itself. Specific reference was made to Lukman Mohammed, whom stakeholders accused of exhibiting hostility toward the Vice-Chancellor, including verbal abuse and alleged intimidation. They argued that the friction stems largely from her insistence on financial prudence, her independent approach to administrative appointments, and her refusal to align with entrenched interests, particularly after it became evident that she was not the preferred candidate of certain Council members.

The stakeholders concluded by warning that the circulation of what they termed ‘unfounded and sensational publication’ risks destabilizing the university at a critical period in its development. They urged the public and the academic community to treat such reports with caution, insisting that the Vice-Chancellor remains focused on advancing academic excellence, enforcing discipline in governance, and steering the institution towards sustainable progress despite mounting pressures.