Ambrose Ali University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State, is embroiled in controversy after the exclusion of 39 medical graduates from an upcoming induction ceremony, despite their fulfillment of all necessary requirements. The university’s handling of the situation has sparked outrage, with the affected students accusing the administration of deliberate victimization and political maneuvering.
The scandal centers around a batch of 167 medical graduates who completed their studies in August 2024. Although they met all conditions to be inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), only 128 graduates have been listed for the induction ceremony scheduled for February 13, 2025. The exclusion of the remaining 39 students has caused widespread protest and discontent, with many questioning the fairness of the process.
One of the affected graduates, who spoke under condition of anonymity, explained, “We were all supposed to graduate together. But now, they are telling us we won’t be inducted with our peers. We’ve spent 10 years completing a six-year course. This is unacceptable.”
The controversy has its roots in a larger issue of administrative mismanagement, with students alleging that the university’s leadership deliberately played politics with the list sent to the MDCN. Despite the students’ belief that they all graduated at the same time, the list submitted to the MDCN only included 128 names, leaving 39 students out in the cold.
“We all graduated in August, but for some reason, only 128 of us made it to the induction list. This looks like a case of favoritism, and it feels like we are being punished for not having influential people to fight for us,” another graduate, visibly frustrated, remarked.
The exclusion has become even more contentious following earlier assurances from Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. During a January 9 protest, Okpebholo promised to intervene, assuring the graduates that the issue would be swiftly resolved. Yet, despite his pledge, only the 128 names were forwarded for induction, and the remaining 39 were left out without any concrete explanation.
One of the graduates shared, “We were told by the Governor that he would fix it, but look where we are now. This is a violation of our rights. We’re being treated like second-class citizens.” The graduates claim that they are now being coerced into signing undertakings to forfeit their induction, which they describe as an infringement on their dignity.
In response to the growing unrest, the Concerned Medical Graduates of AAU released a statement condemning the exclusion of the 39 students. The group stressed that their omission was not based on academic performance, but rather on what they believe to be administrative negligence by the university’s leadership.
“This exclusion is not about merit or qualification; it’s a result of sheer incompetence and possibly intentional neglect,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel, and the Provost of the College of Medicine must be held accountable for this grave oversight.”
The group has vowed to resume protests unless all 167 graduates are inducted. They have called on Governor Okpebholo to fulfill his promise and ensure the inclusion of the excluded students in the upcoming induction ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Dean of Clinicals at AAU, Dr. Andrews Dongo, has defended the university’s actions. In a phone interview, Dongo acknowledged that the university had exceeded the 50-student quota set by the MDCN, but he denied allegations of favoritism. He explained that the MDCN had permitted two separate induction ceremonies, with the first set of 128 graduates slated for February 2025, and the remaining 39 scheduled for July 2025.
“We did not intend to oppress any student,” Dongo explained. “The issue arose because we exceeded the MDCN’s quota, which resulted in the need to split the induction into two separate ceremonies. The MDCN approved this, and we are following their guidance.”
However, some of the excluded graduates are unconvinced by the Dean’s defense. One student countered, “The Dean’s explanation doesn’t hold up. If they graduated together in August, why are some students being left out? There is clear evidence that the university played politics with the list.”
The situation has led to further questions about the university’s commitment to its students and their future. The graduates claim they feel abandoned by both the university leadership and the state government, leaving them with no recourse but to continue their agitation.
“After all the struggles, all the delays, we expected to be inducted with our peers. Now, we are being denied what is rightfully ours,” one of the affected students lamented. “This isn’t just an academic issue; it’s a fight for justice.”
The controversy has cast a shadow over the reputation of Ambrose Ali University, and it remains to be seen whether the university will act swiftly to resolve the matter. With the MDCN’s deadline fast approaching, the spotlight is now on the university’s leadership and the state government to ensure that these young medical professionals are not further disenfranchised.
For now, the 39 excluded graduates are determined to continue their protests, with hopes that their voices will be heard and their rightful induction will take place. Their call for justice, however, remains unanswered as the university grapples with what many see as an avoidable crisis.
“Ned Nwoko’s Shocking Exit: Senator Dumps PDP for APC Amid Party Chaos”
In a dramatic political shift, Senator Ned Nwoko has officially abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant realignment in Delta State politics.
Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District, was elected on the PDP platform during the 2023 general election but has now switched allegiance to the APC. The move, finalized on Friday, saw him picking up his new APC membership card at his ward in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Defection Sparks Political Shockwaves
His departure from PDP comes amid rising tensions and factional battles within the party. In his resignation letter dated January 30, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 8 in Aniocha North LGA, Nwoko cited deep divisions and infighting within the party as his main reasons for leaving.
“My decision to resign from the PDP is first and foremost due to deep division and fractionalisation within the party,” Nwoko wrote. “This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interest of our people.”
