Hendrix Oliomogbe
Tension is presently brewing at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State following the recent unilateral signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie with another ICT service provider, SchoolTry.
An AAU pointedly source accused Prof. Omonzejie of initiating a change in the university’s ICT service provider in the middle of an academic session.
The source, who wouldn't want his name in print explained that the action, taken without prior approval of the University Council, posed significant risks to the smooth operation of the institution’s ICT infrastructure as the deal exposed the university to potential data loss, service disruption, and breaches of due process
The source lamented that the timing of the change, during an ongoing session, was particularly detrimental as it jeopardized academic activities, administrative efficiency, and the integrity of sensitive institutional data.
He added that such a decision, made outside the established governance framework, undermines the authority of the University Council and contravenes the principles of transparency, accountability, and institutional stability.
He recalled that for over a decade in the state owned higher school, KOFA has successfully powered the university’s admissions, registration, fee management, student records, result processing, transcript and certificate applications, final-year clearance, and other critical academic operations.
The source said that abandoning the arrangement mid-session is reckless and strategically unsound, noting that throughout the period, KOFA has provided stability, continuity, and dependable service while supporting the uqniversity’s digital transformation.
He added: "It is therefore surprising that, despite both parties agreeing in principle to continue the relationship through an extension of the service arrangement—with only the review of technology charges remaining under discussion—the vice chancellor has proceeded with the introduction of a new portal platform.
"The proposed engagement with KOFA already provided a roadmap towards greater institutional ownership, including a pathway for the school to progressively assume control of the portal ecosystem and its source code, thereby strengthening long-term technological independence."
He insisted that abandoning the arrangement mid-session is reckless and strategically unsound, noting that the action not only breached due process and Council authority but also Ignored ICT governance standards, leading to catastrophic data risks.
Besides, he added that Mrs. Omonzejie's action far exceeded her financial approval limits, amounting to unauthorized expenditure; destabilized the university community through reckless and provocative actions; and violated institutional ICT policy and exposed the institution to systemic risks.
While calling on the Council to act decisively to among other things safeguard the university’s governance, restore ICT services, and protect students and staff from further disruption, he said that immediate corrective measures must be taken to preserve institutional stability and ensure accountability.
The source further alleged that the new platform is incompatible with KOFA’s existing hardware and software just as data migration protocols were ignored, resulting in the imminent loss of up to 95% of the school’s data assets.
He charged that the financial obligations under the new SchoolTry arrangement far exceed the vice chancellor’s approval limit, a clear violation of institutional financial regulations and accountability standards.
The source continued: "Students, unable to pay fees due to ICT failures, are now being incited against higher authorities. Her refusal to conduct Students’ Union elections has further eroded trust, leaving her without legitimate student representation.
"The unilateral signing of the MOU disregarded ICT governance frameworks, including requirements for Council oversight, risk assessment, and compliance with institutional ICT policy."
Determined attempts to reach the institution's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Otunba Mike Aladenika
on his mobile phone proved abortive as it was serially engaged.
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