A recent appointment controversy at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) has raised serious concerns over governance, procedural fairness, and the integrity of the institution’s recruitment process. The selection of a new Bursar by the Dan Orbih lead governing council,who allegedly does not meet the statutory qualifications for the position, has sparked public outcry, with critics pointing to nepotism, ethical breaches, and potential conflicts of interest within the university’s administration.
According to the University’s established provisions, candidates for the Bursar position must have a minimum of 18 years of post-qualification relevant experience, a confirmed appointment, and certain educational or professional qualifications. However, the individual selected for this role reportedly fails to meet these fundamental criteria.
This includes not meeting the required years of experience, lacking a confirmed appointment, and having no prior experience in the University’s Bursary Department or financial administration.
Further compounding the issue is the fact that the individual is a blood relation of the current Chairman of the University Governing Council, raising concerns about nepotism and ethical compromise. In addition, the sudden introduction of a Ph.D. qualification as a selection requirement—absent from the original vacancy notice—suggests a deliberate attempt to favour a pre-selected candidate.
The appointment, if left unaddressed, could undermine the credibility of the university’s leadership and erode trust in its governance. The situation is also viewed as a breach of the core values of meritocracy, fairness, and institutional integrity that are expected in university administration. The integrity of the selection process is in question, and critics argue that this could have far-reaching consequences for the institution’s reputations.
Further complicating matters is the involvement of former Vice Chancellor Professor Onimawo Ignatius, who, despite facing unresolved legal challenges regarding alleged corrupt practices, has been implicated in influencing decisions surrounding key university appointments. This raises additional questions about the integrity of the process and the governance of the University as a whole.
In light of these concerns, critics are urging the Government of Edo State to intervene and disregard the current recommendations for the appointment of the Bursar, Vice Chancellor, and Librarian. Stakeholders argue that a thorough review is necessary to ensure that the University remains committed to the principles of fairness, merit, and transparency.
Kadiri Hafiz and Odion Osokhia.
