Academic Activities Put on Hold at Ambrose Alli University

Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has announced a temporary suspension of student resumption and all academic engagements. The decision affects lectures, examinations, and major academic events, including the institution’s 140th Inaugural Lecture.

Although the university attributes the pause to ongoing infrastructure upgrades on campus, the development comes amid rising security tensions in Ekpoma, which recently witnessed widespread protests over frequent kidnapping incidents.

Management Explains Reason for the Suspension

The postponement was approved by the university’s leadership under the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie. Speaking on behalf of the management, the university’s spokesman, Otunba Mike Aladenika, explained that the interruption is intended to allow the completion of renovation projects across the campus.

According to him, the upgrades are aimed at improving learning spaces and creating a more supportive academic atmosphere. He described the measure as a short-term inconvenience designed to deliver long-term benefits to students and staff.

As part of the directive, students still occupying university hostels were instructed to vacate immediately. Management assured that revised dates for lectures and examinations would be announced once work is completed.

Security Situation in Ekpoma Raises Concerns

The university’s announcement followed days of unrest in Ekpoma, where residents and students staged protests over persistent kidnapping cases in the area. The demonstrations reportedly brought economic activities to a standstill, with protesters blocking sections of the federal highway and lighting bonfires to draw attention to their demands.

The Edo State Police Command later confirmed a successful rescue mission carried out using its Eagle Combat Drone Unit. The operation led to the safe release of nine abducted persons, including five children, from a kidnappers’ hideout. Police officials described the mission as an example of how modern surveillance technology is strengthening crime-fighting efforts.

Before the protests escalated, the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies, calling for decisive action to address insecurity in and around Ekpoma.

University Distances Itself from the Protesters

In a separate statement, AAU management dissociated the institution from the protest activities. The university maintained that those involved in the demonstrations were not registered students and had no official connection to the school.

Management further warned against actions capable of disrupting the university’s academic environment, stressing that unlawful activities would attract appropriate sanctions.

What Students and Parents Should Expect

At the moment, academic timelines remain uncertain as the university works on completing renovations and authorities continue security operations in Ekpoma. Students and parents are advised to stay alert for official updates regarding resumption dates and examination schedules.

The university expressed optimism that, once normalcy is restored, the academic session will proceed smoothly in a safer and more conducive environment.