Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has met with the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students recently released after being arrested in connection with the Ekpoma protest.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, and obtained by Gossip News Now , the governor cautioned against any form of unrest while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring the university’s stability and standards.
The interaction took place during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House Banquet Hall in Benin City, attended by AAU students, government officials and community leaders.
During his remarks, Okpebholo expressed deep concern over how the protest escalated, noting that it was disheartening especially given his administration’s long-standing resolve to reposition Ambrose Alli University.
“I was truly pained by what I saw happening in my community. From the day I was sworn in, I made a clear promise to revive Ambrose Alli University,” he said.
The governor criticised the financial management he inherited, calling it untenable and unfair.
“They were paying for electricity, water, printing, salaries—everything—from ₦41 million. That amount can’t sustain a university. Yet one consultant under the previous administration received ₦59 million while the entire university operated on ₦41 million,” he revealed.
Okpebholo announced that his administration immediately boosted AAU’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million upon taking office.
“Our focus has been on reviving the institution, stabilising it and putting it on a productive path again,” he added.
He also disclosed that unpaid salaries and accumulated wage arrears owed to AAU staff had reached approximately ₦41 billion, assuring that plans were underway to gradually settle the debt.
The governor urged students not to allow themselves to be manipulated by criminal elements, emphasizing the value of education.
“Someone claims to be a student and is protesting violently—what exactly are you protesting? Don’t let anyone use you. Read your books so you can become successful just like many of us here,” he warned.
Okpebholo acknowledged ongoing security issues in Ekpoma and across Nigeria, stressing that insecurity affects everyone regardless of status.
“The fear you have for your safety is the same fear I have. Kidnappers don’t check anyone’s identity; it’s a challenge we all face,” he said.
He further revealed that security investigations showed that most criminal activities around Ekpoma were perpetrated by locals.
“Many of those arrested during night raids in the forests were Ekpoma indigenes. So we must carefully examine who the real enemy is,” he noted.
The governor condemned the destruction and looting that accompanied the protest, calling it harmful to the community and economy.
“People are struggling already—why burn shops and destroy people’s property? If it was your own shop, would you be happy?” he asked.
He appealed for calm and urged youths to prioritise peace, assuring that criminal activities would be aggressively addressed.
“Some of you are innocent, but be assured—criminals will not find refuge in Edo State,” he said.
Okpebholo highlighted the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi Road as an example of what peaceful dialogue can achieve, noting that the project—costing around ₦135 billion—was approved shortly after he discussed the issue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, praised the governor for his quick intervention and commitment to education, especially for ensuring the release of the detained students.
Other speakers also commended Okpebholo for embracing dialogue over force and for prioritising the well-being of students and staff of AAU.
Among those present were Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Chief of Staff Mallam Gani Audu, the Minister of Youth, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement and several top government officials.
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