Kingsley Ohens reporting for Urbanscoopnews
Edo Central Leaders of Thought have expressed their unequivocal support for the Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, while calling on the Edo State Government to urgently review the effectiveness of the institution’s public relations machinery amid recent controversies surrounding the university.
The group, in a strongly worded statement, said the recent public attacks directed at Ambrose Alli University and its Vice-Chancellor by one Bob Manuel were unnecessary, distracting and capable of undermining public confidence in an institution that remains critical to the educational development of Edo State.
According to the leaders, disagreements and criticisms are legitimate in a democratic society, but such criticisms must be expressed responsibly and without resorting to personal attacks, intimidation or attempts to undermine the authority of the university’s management.
The group expressed particular concern over what it described as the conspicuous silence of the university’s Public Relations Officer, Otunba Mike Aladenika, in the face of the controversy.
The leaders questioned the effectiveness of the university’s communication structure, noting that a public relations officer is expected to proactively protect the reputation of the institution, provide accurate information to the public and respond appropriately whenever the university or its principal officers come under sustained public criticism.
“Ambrose Alli University is a major institution of learning in Edo State, and its reputation should not be left vulnerable when issues concerning the university are being discussed publicly. The responsibility of the institution’s publicity machinery is to ensure that the facts are communicated clearly and that the university’s position is properly represented,” the group stated.
The Edo Central Leaders of Thought therefore called on the Edo State Government, as the proprietor of the institution, to assess the performance of the university’s public relations leadership and take appropriate administrative steps if it is established that the publicity office is not effectively discharging its responsibilities.
The group stressed that its call was not intended to stifle criticism or legitimate public debate, but to ensure that AAU has a functional and responsive communication structure capable of protecting the institution’s image and addressing misinformation.
They also appealed to Bob Manuel to desist from what they described as sustained attacks against the university and the Vice-Chancellor, urging him to channel any grievances through appropriate institutional and legal avenues rather than engaging in public confrontation.
The leaders maintained that Prof. Eunice Omonzejie deserves the opportunity to administer the university without unnecessary distractions, intimidation or external pressure, adding that the institution’s progress should remain the overriding consideration.
They further passed a vote of confidence in the Vice-Chancellor, describing their support as a reaffirmation of confidence in her leadership and commitment to the advancement of Ambrose Alli University.
The group equally commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as his administration’s commitment to the development and repositioning of AAU.
According to the leaders, the governor’s interventions in the institution demonstrate the importance his administration attaches to higher education and the future of students and staff of the university.
They urged the governor to remain focused on reforms and development initiatives capable of restoring AAU to greater academic and institutional prominence.
The Edo Central Leaders of Thought declared that no amount of propaganda, negative publicity or externally sponsored narrative would derail the university’s progress or diminish the confidence of the people in its leadership.
“We stand firmly with Ambrose Alli University. We stand with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, and we believe the institution must be allowed to concentrate on its core mandate of teaching, research, innovation and community development.
“AAU belongs to the people of Edo State. Its progress must rise above individual interests, political considerations and unnecessary distractions. No amount of sponsored propaganda can bring down AAU or its leadership. We stand with the university and we call on all stakeholders to put the institution first.”
The group therefore urged all stakeholders, political actors and concerned individuals to support efforts aimed at strengthening the university rather than actions capable of creating division or damaging its public image.
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