CONUA seeks Obaseki’s intervention in state varsity crisis

Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, yesterday, appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to intervene in the institution’s lingering crisis.

They specifically pleaded with the governor to save them from economic hardship by ensuring adequate funding of the university and pay the several months of outstanding salaries, which triggered the ongoing strike by academic staff.

CONUA made the call in a statement titled: We Await Your Crucial Intervention To End The Funding Crisis In Ambrose Alli University, endorsed by its chairman, Dr. Iyawe Hanson and Secretary, Dr. Nwoke Ernest in Benin City.

“Irrespective of the current challenge in the institution, we still believe firmly that you have the ability to end it so that students whose academic sessions were hindered due to the COVID19 pandemic could make up for their losses.”

“Our union is supremely committed to the advancement of the highest ideals of scholarship, intellect, discipline, hard work, peace and stability on campus and the overall well-being of our university.

“We and majority of other well meaning academic staff of the AAU believe and trust in your promise to finally end the funding crisis in the university at the end of month of April 2021,” the statement reads.

MEANWHILE, the Edo State Government has reassured residents of accelerated completion of the 5km Benin Technical College Road in Benin City.
Chairman of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Kennedy Osifo, gave the assurance when he led members of the commission and other government officials to inspect the road and school facilities.

Representative of Orhionmwon Council at the Commission, Charles Aideyan, representative of Ikpoba Okha Council, William Dudu, their Ovia North East counterpart, Mrs. Omosede Obamwonyi; representative of Edo Central, Daniel Enebi and his Edo North counterpart, Abdullahi Imodagbe, accompanying Osifo on the inspection tour.

Osifo said Governor Obaseki directed the commission to construct the Benin Technical College Road from the Benin-Lagos Expressway to the River and into the college with a walkway and install electrification and reticulation in the institution.

He stated that EDSOGPADEC will supervise the project from the beginning to the end to ensure its speedy completion, while ensuring quality construction is achieved.

Also, Edo State chapter of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), yesterday, backed the reappointment of Mike Ekhovbiye as Registrar, Edo College of Education, Igueben, saying his choice was a welcome development.