PAAU Governing Council Commends VC, Prof. Salisu Ogbo, for Impressive 100 Days in Office
By Yahaya Idris
The Governing Council of Prince Abubakar Audu University has commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, for what it described as an impressive performance within his first 100 days in office.
The commendation followed the maiden but 72nd Regular Meeting of the University’s 7th Governing Council held on Friday, May 22, 2026, which coincided with exactly 100 days since Prof. Usman assumed office on February 11, 2026.
Before the commencement of the meeting, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to the Ogohi Onu Anyigba, the paramount ruler of the host community, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, at his palace.
The Council also held engagements with the University Senate and Congregation at the institution’s auditorium on Wednesday.
In a letter of commendation dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of Council, Professor Mohammed Suleiman Audu, the Council said feedback from stakeholders and the Vice-Chancellor’s report of activities reflected a strong and commendable performance within a short period.
According to the Council, the Vice-Chancellor demonstrated leadership in staff and students’ welfare, improved campus security, promotion of academic excellence, research and innovation, provision of utility services, and resolution of long-standing institutional challenges.
Among the achievements highlighted by the Council were the promotion of 25 academic staff to the ranks of Professor and Reader, comprising eight Professors and 17 Readers, as well as efforts to resolve lingering crises within the University through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
The Council noted that five out of 12 court cases involving the institution had been resolved, while a salary issue affecting eight staff members since 2019 had also been addressed, leading to their restoration to the state government payroll from March 2026.
It further praised the administration for initiating a regular inaugural lecture schedule aimed at increasing the number of lectures from 17 to 46 by June 2027.
Two inaugural lectures have already been delivered under the new arrangement, while the 20th lecture in the series is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
The Governing Council also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts in strengthening security on campus through collaboration with security agencies, waiving hostel dues for Hostel Governors, and commencing plans for the renovation and occupation of the abandoned Dangana Hostel.
In the area of infrastructure, the Council commended the repair of five out of 13 non-functional boreholes inherited by the administration, alongside plans for additional water supply facilities to ease shortages across hostels, staff quarters, and offices.
The administration was equally praised for relocating business activities to a designated campus market in line with the University’s master plan and for recording a 100 per cent success rate in the 2025 accreditation exercise for the 22 programmes presented by the institution.
Council members also applauded efforts to secure government approval for the implementation of new salary scales for academic staff in line with what is obtainable in other universities nationwide.
The Council further disclosed that an alumnus of the institution had donated a multi-million naira Library and Research Centre to the Department of Accounting, with construction expected to commence in June 2026.
It also highlighted the establishment of a strategic partnership with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, which has improved power supply on campus, while additional steps are being taken to provide solar power in critical areas of the institution.
Based on these achievements, the Governing Council unanimously resolved to formally commend Prof. Usman for what it described as an impressive take-off, noting that his performance aligns with his record of achievements during his tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
The Council also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for approving the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, stating that he has justified the confidence reposed in him.
Responding, Prof. Usman thanked the Chairman and members of the Governing Council for their confidence and pledged to sustain the momentum toward the growth and development of the University.
He also appreciated the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, for laying a solid foundation for the institution’s progress.
The Vice-Chancellor further thanked members of management, staff, students, host communities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious leaders for their support and prayers during his first 100 days in office.
