GOV OKPEBHOLO MOVES TO RESOLVE DELAYED INDUCTION OF 167 MEDICAL GRADUATES OF AAU
Ekpoma, Edo State – January 9, 2025 – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to resolve the ongoing impasse preventing the induction of 167 medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. The 2015 graduating class, who completed their studies in August 2024, have been unable to begin their housemanship due to undisclosed circumstances.
Governor Okpebholo made the commitment following a meeting with protesting medical students at the university gates. The students, who have spent ten years pursuing their medical degrees, expressed their frustration and appealed for the Governor's intervention. The Governor, empathetic to their plight, assured them that he would personally engage with the Acting Vice Chancellor of AAU to find a swift resolution.
"I understand your pain," Governor Okpebholo stated. "I will invite the Acting Vice Chancellor to discuss the issues, including accreditation challenges, and we will work together to find a solution as quickly as possible. Please be patient; everything will be alright."
Precious Omohegbele, a spokesperson for the protesting students, highlighted the significant delay and its impact on their careers. "We graduated five months ago and still haven't been inducted," she explained. "We should be halfway through our housemanship. We've spent ten years in medical school and it's unfair for us to remain at home."
The students' plight underscores a longer history of challenges at AAU under the previous administration. Allegations of financial mismanagement, failure to attract investment, non-payment of salaries, and lack of accreditation for certain courses were raised. Furthermore, the previous administration's handling of staff protests, including the dismissal of lecturers in March 2023, exacerbated the situation.
In contrast, Governor Okpebholo has already taken steps to address some of these issues by reinstating the dismissed lecturers upon assuming office. His intervention in the medical graduates' induction represents a further commitment to resolving long-standing problems at AAU and ensuring the well-being of Edo State's future medical professionals. De Parrot Media will continue to follow this developing
story.