In recognition of his exemplary leadership and infrastructure development achievements, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has been honored with an Excellence Award by the Faculty of Management Sciences at Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, celebrating his enduring support and friendship to the Faculty.
The award was presented to the Rector during the Faculty’s Maiden Week, held on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
A press release from Uredo Omale, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, announced Professor Ogbo Usman as the guest speaker for the Maiden Faculty Week, where he discussed ‘Future-Proofing Management Education: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.’
In his speech, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman pointed out that the initiative reflected the faculty’s readiness to explore revitalization strategies, led by Professor Johnson Juwon Orogun, independent of the University Management’s scarce resources.
Professor Ogbo Usman expressed his admiration for Professor Orogun and his team’s groundbreaking accomplishments.
He further extended appreciation to the University Management, under Professor Marietu Tenuche’s leadership, for approving and backing the initiative, while encouraging the Faculty Management to solidify the Faculty Week as an exemplary tradition for other faculties.
Professor Ogbo Usman observed that the Faculty Week theme corresponds with the rising demand for functional education, considering the 21st century’s status as an era of technological revolution.
In his words, “as we navigate the intricacies of the century, therefore, it has become unequivocally clear that management education must transform, not just in terms of technology, but in all ramification, to remain effective.
“This calls for the re-engineering of management education in a way that fosters innovative thinking for adaptability and resilience.”
Professor Usman recommended, amongst others, the need to embrace innovation that involves integrating emerging technologies and pedagogies to stay ahead of the curve, whilst fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government to bridge the skills gap and ensure relevance.
He stated further that developing agile leaders will equip staff members with adaptable skills, ethical awareness, and a global perspective to navigate complex academic landscapes.
The Rector in a special one appreciated the former Minister of state for Labour and Productivity, Professor Stephen Ikani Ocheni whose presence made the occasion colourful especially with the donation of the ICT centre which was commissioned by the Ogohi – Onu Anyigba, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo.
Earlier, the Dean, Professor J.J. Orogun, appreciated the Management of the institution for their support and encouragement, as well as for providing the enabling environment for the Faculty to honour those who have dedicated themselves to contributing to the growth and development of the Faculty.
He reassured the Vice Chancellor and the Management of the institution of the Faculty’s readiness to champion creativity and resourcefulness so as tog further place the institution on a higher pedestal.
The Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Marietu Tenuche, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Daniel Atidoga, underscored the University’s commitment to excellence and provide platform to honour those who have made remarkable contributions to academic and infrastructural advancement.
He used the opportunity to admonish members of staff of the Faculty of Management Studies to continue to accord the Dean the needed support to succeed, whilst appealing to Faculty alumni to continue giving back to the institution.
Other award recipients included Rt. Hon. James Faleke, member, House of Representatives, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Halims, Deputy Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Hajia Habitat Tijani Olumoko, Accountant General, Kogi State, Hon Wemi Jones, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Kogi State, among several others who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Faculty and the institution at large.
Highlights of the ceremony was the official commissioning of the ICT centre, donated by Professor Stephen Ocheni, the car park and walkway, donated by the Faculty alumnus.
