By Simon EBEGBULEM, Benin City
GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, yesterday, received the report of the Visitation Panel set up by his government to look into the activities of the state owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, and assured that the panel was not set up to witch-hunt any body but to ensure the progress of the institution.
While submitting the report, the Chairman of the panel, Professor Thomas Audu, disclosed that the report indicted officials of the University for alleged refusal to provide authentic information as regards the actual number of students, just as it also declared that the award of some contracts by the school authorities never followed due process.

According to him, “it was difficult for us to get the actual number of students in the university because it was obvious that the appropriate information were being withheld. Even though we made concerted efforts to get these information, majority of the departments deliberately submitted photocopies to us when we demanded for originals and even when they brought some originals, they were mutilated and it was very sad.

“There was a particular project and that the contractor applied for upward review of the contract; this was granted within three days through a committee instead of a tender Board,” he stated.

These are some of the abnormalities which we discovered” he stated.

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole who reinstated his resolve to make the University a world class institution in terms of training for staff and man power, asserted  however that “To accomplish this also means that new philosophy and ethics have to be introduced into university governance and administration; scholars have to apply themselves in more creative ways; the talents of students need to be cultivated in  more scientific ways and the spirit of the collegiate system and accountability need to be institutionalised.

“The Visitation Panel’s Report gives us a basis for stock_taking and a good takeoff point.  I will like to assure everybody that the Visitation Panel Report will be carefully studied by my administration and a White Paper will be issued at the shortest possible time. We shall be led by the facts rather than hearsay” he stated.