AAU Alumni Association condemns increment in school fees

The Executive Committee of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Worldwide has condemned the recent increment in school fees of the University by the school administration headed by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Asomwan Sonnie Adagboyin.

In a disclaimer it issued, the Executive Committee stated: “It is very sad that the school authority can take such action of school fees increment without consulting the various stakeholders especially when the economic situation in the country is hitting hard on the masses whose children form the bulk of the students in the university and again, upholding the words of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki who repeatedly assured Edo populace and students of the University of no increment in school fees.

“The purported meeting of the so-called stakeholders with the University Administration and some persons parading themselves as Executive of the Alumni Association headed by an imposture and desperate, one Mr. Clifford Omozeghian is a clear move by the
university authority to deceive the masses into believing that the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Worldwide is in support of this action.

“We the chairmen of branches want to state that, the action by the school authority is arbitrary, insensitive and callous.

“For the purpose of clarity, the said Mr. Clifford Omozeghian is not the President of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association worldwide but emerged from an election that produced two presidents in December, 2022 and the matter is before the Benin High Court for determination. However, since the announcement of the hike in fees, Mr. Omozeghian has been capitalizing on the situation to seek for cheap recognition.

“In this regard, it should be understood constitutionally that such a dubious personality does not have the mandate and support of the estimable AAU Alumni Association Community Worldwide.

“To this end, we are calling on the good people of Edo State, student and the various stakeholders of the Ambrose Alli University to disregard such publications of the assumed President of the Worldwide Alumni Association of the great Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

“Again, it should be noted by the general public that the Alumni Association Worldwide is not in any way in support of the increased school fees.”

Going further the Executive Committee said: “Furthermore, the Executive Council of AAU Alumni Association wishes to advise the University Authority to stop any form of discussion with Hon. Chief Ogbejiele Fidelis and Mr Clifford Omozeghian on behalf of the Alumni Association.

“This is because of the
pending court case that is currently before a Benin High Court file No. B/ 250 05/22 for abuse and disregard of AAU Alumni Association Constitution which has led to the emergence of the two factional Presidents in persons of Hon. Chief Ogbejiele Fidelis and Mr. Clifford Omozeghian.

“The Alumni Association further promised that any fees fixed not in collaboration with the student body and not in consonance with other sister state universities will not be
acceptable by the Alumni Association and Students Body.

“The Association hereby commend the Students Union Government, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other interest groups for their concerted efforts in the struggle to ensure equity, fairness and Justice in AAU regarding School fees issues, since education is a right of citizen and not a privilege.”