Alleged school fees increase, other issues: AAU Caretaker Committee begins consultation, meets S.I.T.

Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor)

The Students Union Caretaker Committee headed by Comrade Ogbewi Liberty, Ambrose Alli University, (AAU), Ekpoma has had a meeting with the Special Intervention Team (SIT) of the Institution.

Otunba Mike Aladenika, Head, Communication department of the University, made the disclosure in a press release he signed and availed journalists in Benin, weekend.

Aladenika disclosed, issues bordering on the alleged school fees increase and other issues relating to studentship in the University, were discussed.

According to him, the Committee which was formally received by the Chairman, S.I.T, Andrew Olotu, had useful interface with the intervention team where their 3-point demands were tabled. 

Comrade Liberty while briefing newsmen about the outcome of the meeting in Benin City, said: "We are on the line of progress, as our meeting with the S.I.T. was a landmark and fruitful. 

"As I speak with you now, our 3-Point demands stated in our memo issued on the 14th of September, 2023 have gotten a tacit approval of the Intervention Team. 

"We informed the SIT of the need for a repeated publication of fees payable by students to avoid misinformation.

"Even as we  sought the understanding of the Intervention Team and Management for a regular interface and consultation when needed, to avoid any breakdown in communication with the University. 

"With dialogue reopened, we hope to resolve all the lingering issues in contention.

"The SIT also assured us that the issue of resumption of Academic activities will be discussed with the University's Management with a view to convening the Senate of the University to address same, immediately.”

Further, the Committee Chairman said; "It is our responsibility to deepen the level of negotiation and interface, as we intend to meet with students departmental leaders to have an in-depth understanding of whatever concern they may be having, apart from the ones we are currently handling.

"On some of the add-ons, I can see that the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) component of the fee, is statutory as other State-owned institutions have been variously captured along with Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.”

Recently, there was tension at the University over alleged school fees increase by Management, climaxing with the SUG leading students in protest; blocking the institution gate for days.

In swift reaction, the University's Management dissolved the SUG, suspended academic activities and in its place, appointed a Caretaker Committee.