Dr. Anslem Ojeaga Ehimare JP
EKPOMA, Edo State — The growing controversy surrounding Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has taken a fresh turn as a group of concerned stakeholders has called for the immediate removal of the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Otunba Mike Aladenika, accusing the publicity office of failing to adequately protect the university’s image and effectively communicate its position during recent disputes.
In a strongly worded press statement, the stakeholders argued that the university can no longer afford a passive approach to public communication, particularly at a time when the institution and its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omozejie, are the subject of intense public discussion.
The group said the situation requires more than routine public relations activities, insisting that AAU needs a publicity leadership capable of responding decisively whenever the institution’s reputation comes under attack.
They consequently called on the Edo State Government to intervene and replace Aladenika with what they described as a competent, energetic and professionally grounded communications practitioner.
The stakeholders said their demand was driven by what they regard as the strategic importance of the PRO’s office to the survival and reputation of the university.
“Silence is not a communication strategy. Inaction is not professionalism. And allowing damaging narratives to circulate unchecked is not responsible public relations,” the group declared.
They maintained that the responsibility of a university publicity office goes beyond announcing programmes and covering official events, noting that it must also provide accurate information, promptly address misleading narratives and ensure that the institution is not left defenceless in the public space.
According to the stakeholders, the current situation has made it necessary for the university’s publicity machinery to be subjected to a serious performance review.
Stakeholders Reject Attacks on VC
The group also mounted a strong defence of Prof. Eunice Omozejie, declaring that the Vice-Chancellor continues to enjoy their “absolute and unwavering” support.
The stakeholders condemned what they described as persistent efforts to undermine the Vice-Chancellor’s authority through public confrontation and inflammatory narratives.
They argued that while individuals have the right to criticise university management or raise grievances, such concerns should be pursued through established institutional and legal channels.
“AAU is bigger than any individual, bigger than any personality clash and bigger than whatever private grievance anyone may harbour,” the statement said.
The stakeholders warned that attempts to turn personal disagreements into public campaigns against the university’s leadership could ultimately hurt the institution itself.
They therefore urged all parties involved in the controversy to place the long-term interests of AAU above personal grievances.
Confidence in Governor Okpebholo
The stakeholders simultaneously expressed strong confidence in the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, praising his administration for its efforts towards repositioning Ambrose Alli University.
They said the governor’s interventions had demonstrated that his administration recognises the strategic role of the institution in the educational and socio-economic development of Edo State.
The group therefore appealed to the governor to remain firm on reforms while ensuring that critical offices within the university are occupied by individuals capable of delivering on their responsibilities.
“Where an office is failing, change it. Where a system is weak, strengthen it. Where performance falls below expectation, accountability must prevail,” the stakeholders stated.
‘AAU Needs a Publicity Office That Can Fight Its Corner’
The group said the university’s current challenges have made a strong communication architecture more important than ever.
It argued that in an era where information, misinformation and accusations can spread rapidly through social media and other platforms, an institution of AAU’s stature cannot afford to be slow or invisible in defending its legitimate interests.
The stakeholders said the university needs a communications team capable of projecting its achievements, responding promptly to controversy and ensuring that the public receives credible information directly from the institution.
They described effective communication as an essential component of institutional governance, rather than an administrative afterthought.
The group consequently called for a comprehensive review of the university’s public relations structure and reiterated its demand that Aladenika be removed from office and replaced by a more competent professional.
It also urged the Edo State Government to continue supporting Prof. Omozejie’s administration, arguing that the Vice-Chancellor should be allowed to concentrate on the core responsibilities of advancing teaching, research, innovation and community development.
The stakeholders ended their statement with a blunt warning that the reputation and future of Ambrose Alli University must not be sacrificed to individual interests or prolonged controversy.
“The time for excuses is over. The time for decisive action is now,” they declared, insisting that every person entrusted with responsibility at AAU must be prepared to demonstrate competence, accountability and results.
They reaffirmed their support for Prof. Omozejie, their confidence in Governor Okpebholo and their demand for a change in the university’s publicity leadership, insisting that AAU deserves nothing less than a communication structure capable of defending its integrity and projecting its future with confidence.
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