JAC, ASUU MEET HON. JONATHAN IBHAMAWU OVER THE WEEKEND, SEEK URGENT ACTION ON AAU CHALLENGES.

The Executive Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) met with the Honourable Member representing Esan West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan Ibhamawu, over the weekend, to discuss issues affecting the University community.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the University’s management and staff unions to raise concerns over staff welfare, government subvention, outstanding salaries and other pressing challenges confronting the institution.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan Ibhamawu appealed to the leadership and members of JAC, ASUU and the entire AAU community to remain patient and supportive of the Edo State Government as efforts continue to address the government’s financial obligations to the University.

He assured the University community that legitimate salaries and other outstanding financial obligations would be addressed, while urging staff and other stakeholders to exercise patience as the government works towards meeting the needs of the institution.

Hon. Ibhamawu also called on the University community to continue supporting the Governor of Edo State, the Vice-Chancellor and other stakeholders in ongoing efforts to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing AAU.

He stressed that embarking on industrial action or shutting down the University would not provide a lasting solution to the institution’s challenges. Rather, he encouraged the unions to sustain constructive engagement with government and other relevant stakeholders.

The lawmaker further assured the unions of his continued advocacy for the interests and welfare of the University community, pledging to communicate their concerns to the appropriate authorities and work collaboratively towards addressing them.

In their separate remarks, the various union chairmen expressed concern over the challenges confronting Ambrose Alli University and appealed to Hon. Ibhamawu to convey their grievances to the Governor of Edo State for urgent consideration and intervention.

The union leaders also expressed their continued support for the efforts of the Edo State Government across the education sector, acknowledging initiatives aimed at improving educational institutions and promoting staff welfare throughout the state.

They thanked Hon. Ibhamawu for facilitating the meeting, describing the engagement as an important platform for open dialogue, constructive interaction and collective efforts towards finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing AAU.

The union leaders equally commended the lawmaker for his willingness to engage with the University community, listen to their concerns and provide a platform for meaningful discussions on issues affecting the institution.

The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Professor Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Andrew Omon Eromonsele; and the Bursar, Dr. Taye Agbaje.

Also present were the chairmen of various unions, including Comrade Bayo Jim Omokhojie of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NAAT); Comrade Emmanuel Omokhafe of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU); Comrade Odiamehi Charles of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU); and Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele of ASUU, alongside other executive members of the unions.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, patience, constructive engagement and collective responsibility in addressing the challenges confronting Ambrose Alli University.

Hon. Ibhamawu reiterated his commitment to working closely with the University community, representing its interests and ensuring that the concerns raised are appropriately communicated to the relevant authorities for necessary action.

The engagement underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among the Edo State Government, university management, staff unions and other stakeholders in restoring stability, improving staff welfare and strengthening the future of Ambrose Alli University.