For more than 1,000 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, graduation was not the end of their journey but the beginning of an ordeal. Because they were admitted irregularly, their admission letters could not be printed. Without the letters, graduates were barred from mobilization for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Some cases stretched back to the 2017 admission cycle, leaving students who finished as early as 2020 unable to proceed with their lives.
Government–JAMB Partnership Breaks the Deadlock
Relief has finally arrived following an intervention by the Edo State Government. The Ministry of Education, under Dr. Paddy Iyamu, in collaboration with AAU management and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), resolved the lingering irregularities.
According to officials; “All students whose JAMB profiles were previously blocked have had their accounts unlocked, with no fresh complaints being received in this category.”
“Cases involving undisclosed admissions are currently being resolved seamlessly, ensuring a smooth process for all concerned.”
As of now, the state confirms there are no lingering complaints about JAMB-related admission issues at AAU.
A Promise of Infrastructure and Renewed Hope
Speaking on the development, Dr. Iyamu congratulated the affected students and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transform education in the state.
“We are serious minded and His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo is resolute in changing the face of education for good in Edo State. The governor will not relent in the provision of necessary infrastructure, employment of teachers and implementing policies that are going to bring relief to all.
The resolution of the admission issue in AAU, Ekpoma is because of the proactiveness of the state government and the determination to make our people smile. One can imagine what the affected students would have gone through. Studying for years and getting stuck after graduation.
Now, they can move on with their lives and the administration is assuring all that we are here to make positive changes in every sphere. Just continue to support and cooperate with us.”
Dr. Iyamu also announced the approval of two 1,500-seater lecture theatres and a 600-bed hostel capacity for the university by Governor Okpebholo. Iyamu describes the infrastructure as part of a wider push to improve learning conditions. Emphasizing that, they will help restore confidence in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Moving Forward
With this breakthrough, hundreds of young graduates can finally print their admission letters and join their peers in national service. The resolution is not only a victory for students but a test case for how government intervention can break long-standing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
By tackling a problem that had defied solutions for years, the Edo State Government has given AAU students their wings back and a chance to soar.