By Okafor Joseph Afam, November 20, 2024

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

In a parallel move, the governor also approved the immediate disengagement of management staff at Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, both located in Benin City.

These decisions were conveyed in a “Government Special Announcement” dated November 20, 2024, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.

The announcement, which was also confirmed in a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated:

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all State-owned Tertiary Institutions in Edo State with immediate effect.”

All affected council members were directed to hand over government property in their possession to the heads of their respective institutions.

Regarding the hospitals, the announcement continued:

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the disengagement of the Management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.”

The statement also directed the outgoing management staff of the hospitals to hand over all government assets to the most senior officers in their respective institutions.

Administrative Overhaul

These sweeping reforms underscore Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to restructuring key state institutions. While the reasons for the dissolution and sackings were not explicitly stated, observers suggest the move could be part of broader efforts to improve governance and service delivery in education and healthcare sectors.

The public and stakeholders are now awaiting further directives and possible announcements regarding the reconstitution of the governing councils and appointment of new hospital management teams.