News
ASUU, AAU Condemns Poor Handling Of Crisis Of Hike In School Fees By Management
FROM Lateef Taiwo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Chapter has denounced the management style of the University Administration in handling the agitations and protests currently rocking the University as a result of astronomical hike in school fees payable in the University.
The Union expressed grave concern that the University Administration’s style of shutting the doors of consultation and negotiation against popular demands of the students was unhelpful and disturbing.
ASUU said the University Administration’s refusal to enter into direct dialogue and negotiation with the protesting students’ body is patently draconian and reminiscent of the dark days of undemocratic rule.
In particular, the Union described the statement credited to the Acting Vice Chancellor (AVC) of the University, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin “that ten (10) years closure of the University gate by the students would not deter the State Government from going ahead with the new regime of school fees in the University” as provocative, undemocratic and oppressive.
These were contained in a statement released to pressmen , yesterday by the University’s Chapter of ASUU.
In the statement signed by Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele and Dr. Willam Odion, the University’s Chairman and Assistant Secretary of ASUU respectively, the Union faulted and condemned the University authorities’ resort to threat, intimidation and repression of students’ right as evident in the University Management’s query to the student leaders over a call for Congress of students.
“This is a crude way of handling issues of this nature. Unnecessary grandstanding and arrogance do not resolve issues of this nature. In civilised climes, dialogue is the only tool”, ASUU maintained.
According to the Union, while the students have been calling for dialogue in the resolution of the issues and problems facing students of the University, the attitude of the University authorities has been that of a divide-and-rule tactics and desperate ploy to destabilize the students’ body and punish the student leaders for daring to demand for their rights.
ASUU noted that it was unfortunate that, whereas, the University Administration and Special Intervention Team (SIT) lack the courage to convince the Visitor to the University, Governor Godwin Obaseki to adequately fund the University such that it can compete favourably with other universities in Nigeria and globally, they have resorted to increase in school fees, introduction of all manners of charges for which students, parents and guardians of students and the workers have to bear the brunt.
The Union distanced its members from the current approach adopted by the University in dealing with the matter as well as the resolutions taken without dialoguing with the protesting students who are primary stakeholders. “We cannot be part of this problem because as an important stakeholder in the University, the Union was not consulted in the decision to fix new fees payable by students. Therefore, ASUU members should not be dragged into the crisis”, the Union maintained.
The Union disassociated itself from any increase in school fees that would make university education inaccessible and unaffordable by the citizens of Edo State for whom the university was founded by Prof. Ambrose Alli of the blessed memories.
The Union urged the Acting Vice Chancellor to embrace civility in his approach to handling the crisis and refrain from measures that are counterproductive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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