By Tracy Ohovwere
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been honoured with a prestigious leadership award by the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association (AAUAA) in recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
The award was presented during a special ceremony held on the university campus. It was received on the Governor’s behalf by the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, who represents Esan West Local Government Area and was also among the honourees.
Speaking at the event, Acting Vice Chancellor of AAU, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, and Chairman of the AAU Alumni Association, Professor Austin Aghemelo, applauded Governor Okpebholo’s sweeping reforms, which they said have repositioned the university for academic excellence and restored stakeholders’ confidence in its future.
They noted the Governor’s key interventions, including the restoration of accreditation to critical programmes such as the Department of Nursing, massive infrastructural upgrades, and scholarship awards to deserving students.
Particularly highlighted was the significant increase in monthly subvention to the university—from N41 million to N500 million—described as a game-changer in improving the institution’s operational efficiency.
Other notable achievements included the implementation of the new minimum wage for university staff, reinstatement of unjustly dismissed workers, reconstitution of the university’s Governing Council, and the appointment of competent principal officers to steer the institution’s affairs.
Governor Okpebholo was also commended for initiating a 1.5MW solar power project aimed at addressing energy challenges and ensuring reliable electricity supply across the university.
The Alumni Association expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s commitment, noting that his efforts have significantly enhanced the university’s physical, financial, and administrative standing.
Also honoured at the event were Mr. Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and Mr. Henshaw Oligbe, Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority.
The ceremony featured a keynote lecture titled “Beyond Graduation: Unlocking the Enduring Values of Alumni Associations for Individuals and Institutions,” delivered by Professor Omeimen Ujuanbi, Director of Research, Publication and Development and former President of the AAU Alumni Association.
