By Imelda Osayande
Gov. Monday Okpebholo has assured Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, of his administration’s commitment to settling accumulated unpaid salaries and gratuities inherited from past governments.
He gave the assurance while receiving the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, and her management team during a courtesy visit on Monday in Benin.
Okpebholo congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and her team, saying their presentation highlighted the depth of challenges confronting the institution.
“From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support.
“I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming office.
“I want to assure you that this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory,” Okpebholo said.
Addressing salary arrears, the governor described years of unpaid wages as unfair and unacceptable.
“It is not right for people to work and not be paid.
“The issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira is a project we will address,” Okpebholo added.
He acknowledged other concerns, including hostel infrastructure, accreditation challenges and facilities for programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science.
Okpebholo said the state budget was at an advanced stage, assuring management that critical needs would be captured in budget proposals.
Earlier, Omonzejie said the delay in visiting the governor followed a concluded accreditation exercise and a comprehensive assessment of the university’s condition.
She said the institution she inherited was moribund, grappling with infrastructural decay, unpaid salaries and accreditation challenges.
Omonzejie expressed appreciation for what she described as the governor’s “life-saving interventions” since assuming office.
She cited increased subvention, payroll restoration, support for medical students, improved security logistics and NDDC-facilitated road construction as major gains.
The Vice-Chancellor formally presented urgent needs, including unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities and outstanding union deductions.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, and the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)