By Ogochukwu Isioma
Chairman of the newly-inaugurated Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has led other members of the council on familiarisation tour of the university and its host community.
The visits come just hours after their inauguration by the state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and ahead of the council’s maiden meeting.
Among the places visited include the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, where Chief Orbih informed the monarch that the governor has entrusted them with leveraging their collective expertise to enhance the university’s administration.
“We are aware of the significant challenges facing the institution and seek your prayers, support, and that of the host community,” Chief Orbih told the Onojie of Ekpoma, HRH Bar. Anthony Abumere II.
Responding, the Onojie thanked the chairman and council members for visiting the palace, praying for a successful tenure and assuring them of the palace’s unwavering support.
In meetings with stakeholders, including union leaders, Chief Dan Orbih emphasised the council’s commitment to collaboration.
“We are here because of you, and we are committed to working for and with you,” Chief Orbih said. “Although we are aware of the challenges, we request your patience and understanding as we address them. To better grasp the issues, we kindly ask you to prepare and submit position papers.”
The union leaders, representing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA); Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SANNU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and Students’ Union Government (SUG), reiterated the need for urgent action on minimum wage, welfare, and other pressing issues.
