Controversy Rocks Ambrose Ali University As Okpebholo Reinstates Lecturers Sacked Over Sexual Harassment And Financial Crimes
By Aluta News
March 22, 2025
A storm of criticism has greeted the decision of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpevbholo over illegal reinstatement of lecturers and non-academic staff of Ambrose Ali University (AAU) who were previously sacked by former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The affected staff were dismissed over various offenses, including theft of public funds, sexual harassment, manipulation of results, and other misconducts.
The reinstated staff include are Dr. Austin Aghemelo, Political Science lecturer, Prof. John Anegbode, Political Science lecturer, Dr. Sumaila Jimoh, Engineering lecturer, Dr. Lawrence Imaekhai, Engineering lecturer.
Others are Prof. Felix Emelike, Medical Lab Science lecturer, Barr. Patrick Iweoha, Law lecturer, Mrs. Deliverance Brotobo, Nursing staff, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwadike, Nursing staff, Dr. Lucky Enato, History and International Studies lecturer.
In March 2022, the University panel of inquiry, headed by Prof. Abraham Olalere Onigbide indicted Dr. Austin Aghemelo for embezzling over N100 million from the university’s revenue generating unit. He was also indicated for extorting money from students, including collecting N10,000 for late course registration and N5,000 for a letter of “To Whom It May Concern” without issuing official receipts. Additionally, Dr. Aghemelo was indicated for sexually harassing students, including a married woman who petitioned the university authorities.
The reinstatement of the likes of Dr. Austin Aghemelo through the back door which one of his close aides said the governor was not properly briefed, has sparked outrage among students, staff, and the general public, who argue that the reinstatement undermines the principles of accountability and transparency in the university system. Critics also point out that the decision may embolden others to engage in misconduct, knowing that they may face no lasting consequences.
According to the Edo State Civil Service Rules, reinstatement of dismissed lecturers is subject to specific conditions and procedures. The rules emphasize the seriousness of financial fraud, making reinstatement challenging for dismissed lecturers.
In Edo State public service rules, financial fraud is considered a serious misconduct that can lead to dismissal and reinstatement is considered under certain circumstances, such as wrongful dismissal, new evidence, or a successful appeal. Even if a dismissed public servant is reinstated, they may face certain conditions, including loss of seniority, demotion, or close monitoring.
The final decision on reinstatement rests with the Edo State Civil Service Commission, the appropriate disciplinary authority and the governing council of the University.
Sources contacted at the Council headed by Chief Dan Orbih told Trojaninsights.com that there was no directives from Governor Okpebholo, the visitor to the University to reinstate the sacked former members of staff, and that the Council never deliberated on the reinstatement of the legitimately sacked lecturers.
“All we saw were flying letters of reinstatement brandished by the sacked former lecturers that they have been reinstated, and this violates Edo State public service rules and the University’s standard practice.
“I just hope that the Governor is not being misguided to destroy his enviable political sagacity so as to tarnish his presumed image of uncommon sterner leadership strategy by forcing back very corrupt and abusive lecturers on the institution”, he said.
It remains to be seen how the Governor, university management and governing council will respond to the controversy. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the integrity of Ambrose Ali University hangs in the balance.