By Peterson Ibi
There is confusion and palpable tension in Edo state-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, as two Acting Registrars emerged, following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Chris Adamaigbo as substantive Registrar of the University on Tuesday, 27 April, 2021.
The confusion arose from the letters of appointment as Acting Registrars, issued to Ify Nwabudike and Eddy Ehiakkhamen, both of whom were Deputy Registrars.
Both letters were issued from two different power blocs of the University Administration.
It was gathered that the letter of appointment issued to Mr. Eddy Ehiakkhamen, was signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ignatius Onimawo, while the outgoing Registrar, Mr. Chris Adamaigbo, issued the appointment letter of Ify Nwabudike as Acting Registrar, based on consultation and approval of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the University.
A source in the University revealed that the development is a result of the fighting and struggle for supremacy between the out-going VC, Professor Onimawo and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the University, Mr. Lawson Omokhodion.
It was reliably gathered that Prof. Onimawo has the backing of the Secretary to the State Government and the Deputy Governor of the State, in all his actions, including his current position on the Acting Registrar.
Although the University has a Governing Council in place, it has however not been functional since October last year, following the constitution of a Special Visitation Panel to the University.
The University’s image maker, Adward Aihevba, described the situation as a minor administrative error that has been corrected.
According to him, “This was a minor administrative error in the Registry which has been promptly corrected. Only one staff has been appointed as Acting Registrar, ie. Sir Eddy Ehiakhamen. The handover has been smoothly and successfully done.”