Administrative and academic workers of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, on Wednesday, continued their protest in the university to express grievances over the non-payment of their salaries.
The protest had began on Monday, February 20, 2023.
The workers also alleged maladministration, intimidation, and victimisation in the University by the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin.
However, the protest took a different version as staff members dumped a coffin at the main gate of the university on the Benin-Auchi Road with various inscriptions such as “Odiase, Adagbonyin, Osakue Must Go”, “SIT Stop Deceiving Edo Government and People”, “Enough of Impunity, Intimidation and Arbitrary Policies Decisions in AAU, Ekpoma,” “Save Workers Cooperative Societies Restore Check Offs,” “Stop Slave Labour in AAU Ekpoma.”
The staff accused the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin; the acting Registrar, Mr. Ambrose Odiase; and a member of the Special Intervention Team, Mr. Austin Osakue for claiming that the institution is operating perfectly.
They further accused the vice chancellor for being selective in the payment of salary.
Speaking on behalf of other workers in the university, Prof. Eunice Omozejele, expressed sadness that some of the staff in the institution have died due to lack of money to pay for their medical bills.
She questioned the academic qualifications of the Head of the SIT for not being sincere with payment of salaries for all staff.
She, however, implored the team to be upright and sincere in the discharge of its responsibilities.