PAAU Alumnus Dr. Rabiu Olowo Donates Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and Digital Library
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has received a major infrastructural boost as one of its distinguished alumni, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, donated an Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and Digital Library to his alma mater.
The landmark project, described as the first alumni-funded initiative of its scale in the institution’s history, aims to strengthen accounting education, research, innovation, and digital learning while enhancing the university’s global academic profile.
The foundation laying ceremony was performed by the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the project site within the Faculty of Management Sciences, adjacent to the Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies (CPDS).
Legacy Project to Advance Research and Innovation
Dr. Olowo, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) and Chairman of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR), said the project represents his commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped his academic journey.
Representing the donor, Dr. Mohammed Umar, Assistant Professor of Accounting at the United Arab Emirates University, described the proposed facility as a world-class academic and research centre designed to meet international standards.
According to him, the centre will feature a state-of-the-art digital library offering students, lecturers, and researchers access to digital textbooks, academic journals, research databases, and other scholarly resources through partnerships with national and international professional accounting organisations.
He added that the facility will also include modern seminar and conference halls, a business centre, cafeteria, uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply, high-speed internet connectivity, and an in-house borehole to create a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.
Dr. Umar noted that the centre would also attract research grants and promote innovation, positioning PAAU as a leading institution for accounting education and scholarly excellence.
Department of Accounting Commends Donor
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Accounting, Dr. Sunday Simon, described the project as a transformative intervention that would significantly improve accounting education and professional development within the university.
He also praised the Vice-Chancellor for the remarkable achievements recorded since assuming office, citing improvements in campus security, environmental sanitation, restoration of water supply, installation of solar-powered streetlights, relocation of roadside shops, and the revival of Fusion FM Radio Station.
Dr. Simon expressed gratitude to Dr. Rabiu Olowo for investing in the institution that nurtured his career and acknowledged Dr. Mohammed Umar for facilitating the project.
Vice-Chancellor Applauds Exceptional Gesture
Speaking during the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman described the donation as a historic milestone for the university.
He commended the Department of Accounting for attracting such a landmark project and praised Dr. Mohammed Umar for ensuring the successful commencement of the initiative.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that although Dr. Olowo is not an indigene of Kogi State, he chose to invest in the university that educated him, describing the gesture as a powerful example of unity and gratitude.
He urged lecturers to maintain positive relationships with their students, noting that today’s students would become tomorrow’s leaders and potential benefactors.
Professor Usman further revealed that since the university’s establishment, no alumnus had donated a project of similar magnitude focused on expanding research capacity and improving global academic visibility.
He directed that adequate security measures be provided to safeguard the facility upon completion.
The Vice-Chancellor also called on other distinguished alumni to emulate Dr. Olowo by investing in projects that would advance teaching, learning, research, and infrastructure development, stressing that government alone cannot provide all the resources needed to build a world-class university.
Book Presentation Highlights Ceremony
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the book titled “Lessons from Life,” authored by the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the Vice-Chancellor.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the university, academic and non-academic staff, and other invited guests.
With the proposed Rabiu Olowo Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and Digital Library, Prince Abubakar Audu University is expected to strengthen its position as a leading hub for accounting education, digital learning, and research excellence in Nigeria.