Bill to Amend Varsity VC Tenure Passes Second Reading

A Bill to amend the law establishing Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, with regards to the tenure of the vice-chancellor has scaled through second reading at the House of Assembly.

Leading the debate on the bill at plenary on Monday, the Majority Leader of the assembly, Philip Shaibu, said the principal law provided for two terms of four years each for the vice-chancellor.

Shaibu added that the amendment sought to correct the principal law by stipulating five-year single term for the vice chancellor of the institution.

“Mr Speaker, the university is currently operating a five-year single term against the two terms of four years, provided for by the law.’’

He explained that with the five-year single term tenure already being operated, the university was working ahead of the amendment and in concert with it.

According to him, this amendment seeks to give a definite number of years as regards the tenure of the vice-chancellor.

Other lawmakers supported the amendment and it was resolved that the amendment would correct the tension that arose in the recent contest for the institution’s vice chancellor.

The assembly also at the plenary extended its sitting by six days to enable it to consider and pass all pending bills and motions before the commencement of the fifth assembly.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr Uyi Igbe is happy for completing a four-year term as Speaker in the State without being impeached.

Igbe told newsmen in Benin during his 50th birthday celebration that he was able to achieve the feat because he demystified the office.

He also attributed his success to openness, commitment and truthfulness to members.

“I have been able to tell everybody that there is nothing to the office of the speaker, deputy speaker and other principal offices.

“I am the first Speaker in Edo to complete a four-year term without impeachment. This was as a result of my commitment and sincerity to my colleagues’’, he said.