Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has met with students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were recently released following their arrest in connection with unrest in Ekpoma. The engagement, held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Benin City, brought together students, community leaders, and senior government officials in a bid to calm tensions and chart a path forward.
During the meeting, the governor made it clear that while grievances may exist, violence would not be tolerated. He described the escalation of the protest as painful and disappointing, particularly because he had pledged from his first day in office to reposition the university and restore its reputation.
Okpebholo revealed that the institution’s financial state at the time he assumed office was unsustainable. According to him, AAU had been operating on a monthly subvention of ₦41 million—an amount he said could barely cover utilities and wages. He contrasted this with what he described as questionable allocations under the previous administration, noting that a single consultant reportedly received more funds than the university’s entire monthly operational budget.
To address the imbalance, the governor announced that his administration increased the university’s monthly funding to ₦500 million. He also disclosed that unpaid salaries and arrears owed to staff had ballooned to about ₦41 billion, assuring stakeholders that efforts were underway to gradually offset the backlog.
Security concerns were also central to the discussion. Okpebholo acknowledged the fears expressed by students over safety in Ekpoma and across Nigeria, stressing that insecurity is a shared burden. However, he disclosed that investigations indicated that many criminal acts in the area were carried out by local elements, urging the community to confront internal challenges honestly.
In a stern warning, he cautioned students against allowing themselves to be manipulated into destructive actions. He questioned the rationale behind violent protests, emphasizing that destroying property harms the very community the students belong to. Peaceful dialogue, he said, yields better outcomes than unrest.
Highlighting recent achievements, the governor pointed to the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi Road as proof that engagement works. He explained that after discussions with President Bola Tinubu, the project—valued at approximately ₦135 billion—received approval, underscoring the benefits of constructive communication.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended the governor for prioritizing dialogue and facilitating the students’ release. Other dignitaries present, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and senior aides, echoed similar sentiments, praising the administration’s approach to crisis management.
Commentary and Analysis
The Ekpoma unrest underscores the fragile relationship between governance, student activism, and community stability. Universities often reflect broader societal tensions, particularly when financial constraints and security concerns intersect.
By boosting funding and addressing arrears, the state government appears intent on tackling structural weaknesses that may have fueled dissatisfaction. However, sustainable peace will depend not only on financial injections but also on transparency, accountability, and consistent engagement with stakeholders.
The governor’s emphasis on dialogue over force signals a strategic attempt to de-escalate tensions. Whether this approach will translate into long-term institutional stability remains to be seen, but it sets a tone that prioritizes reform and security without dismissing legitimate concerns.
For AAU and Ekpoma at large, the coming months will test whether increased funding, stronger security coordination, and student cooperation can restore calm and reinforce confidence in the state’s commitment to educational development.
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