100 DAYS IN OFFICE AS PAAU VC: GOVERNING COUNCIL COMMENDS PROFESSOR SALISU OGBO USMAN FOR IMPRESSIVE TAKE-OFF
In what looks like a 100-day stocktaking and performance assessment of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the 7th Governing Council of Prince Abubakar Audu University held its maiden, but 72nd Regular Meeting yesterday, Friday, 22nd May, 2026, and unanimously resolved to commend him for sterling performance within the short period of being at the helm of affairs of the institution.
The Governing Council meeting also coincided with exactly the 100 days since the Vice-Chancellor took over the affairs of the University on 11th February, 2026.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Chairman and Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit on Ogohi Onu Anyigba, the paramount ruler of the host community, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, at his palace, and also had extensive engagements with the Senate and Congregation on Wednesday, at the University Auditorium.
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In the letter of commendation Ref:PAAU/CGC/124/V.II/063, dated 22nd May, 2026, personally signed by the Chairman of Council, Professor Mohammed Suleiman Audu, Council noted the feedback on the performance of the Vice-Chancellor in the last 100 days in office from the various stakeholders and levels of engagement, as well as the report of activities presented by the Vice-Chancellor during the meeting, which it stressed, reflects strong performance worthy of commendation.
It therefore unanimously resolved that a formal letter of commendation be written to the Vice-Chancellor for the impressive take-off of the management of the University under his watch.
Members of the Governing Council specifically took turns to appreciate the impressive take-off of the Vice-Chancellor which were highlighted in the letter signed by the Chairman.
Issues raised in the commendation borders on staff and students’ welfare, improved security of lives and properties within and around the campus, promotion of academic culture and excellence, promotion of research and innovation, provision of municipal and utility services, and effective management and resolution of protracted crises, among others.
In all, Council noted with satisfaction the following specific achievements, among others, which it considered unprecedented within just 100 days, despite lean resources and competing demands:
1. Successfully completed the process and obtained the approval of the Governing Council for the promotion of twenty-five (25) members of staff to the rank of Professor and Reader (8 Professors and 17 Readers).
2. Set machinery in motion through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to address the protracted crisis within the Alumni Association, which had lingered for about two decades.
3. Resolved five (5) out of the twelve (12) various court cases involving the University through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
4. Resolved the protracted salary issue involving eight (8) members of staff dating back to 2019, with the affected staff now restored to the payroll of the State Government since March, 2026.
5. Initiated and obtained the approval of Senate for a schedule of activities for regular Inaugural Lecture series on the campus, aimed at increasing the number from seventeen (17) to forty-six (46) by the end of June, 2027. By the schedule, from April 2026 to June 2027, twenty-nine (29) additional Inaugural Lectures are expected to be delivered. So far, two (2) have been delivered, while the third, which is the 20th in the series, is scheduled to take place on 2nd June, 2026.
6. Put in place strategic policies, including active collaboration with security agencies, for improved security of lives and properties of staff and students within and around the campus.
7. Waived payment of hostel dues for Hostel Governors and also initiated refunds for those who had already paid before his assumption of office.
8. Set machinery in motion for the renovation and occupation of the abandoned Dangana Hostel.
9. Successfully repaired five (5) out of the inherited thirteen (13) non-functional boreholes on the campus and also took steps to drill an additional borehole to address the acute shortage of water supply to hostels, staff quarters, and office areas.
10. Undertook comprehensive relocation of business activities on campus to a designated campus market in line with the University master plan.
11. Delivered outstanding results in the 2025 accreditation exercise, with a 100% success rate for the twenty-two (22) programmes presented by the former administration.
12. Processed for the consideration and approval of the State Government the implementation of the new salary scales for Academic Staff, as obtainable in other universities across the country.
13. As part of confidence in the leadership of the Universit, an Alumnus donated a multi-million naira Library and Research Centre to the Department of Accounting, with the project scheduled to commence in June, 2026.
14. Established strategic partnership and collaboration with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) which has led to improved public power supply on the campus. He has taken further steps for provision of solar in other strategic and critical areas to boost teaching, research and illumination of the campus.
It is on the strength of the above achievements and more that the Governing Council expressed satisfaction and unanimously resolved to formally commend the Vice-Chancellor for an impressive take-off, consistent with his track record of achievements at Kogi State Polytechnic where he served as Rector.
Council also specifically appreciated the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for approving its recommendation for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, whom they said has justified the confidence reposed in him.
The Vice Chancellor on his part appreciated the Chairman and members of Governing Council for the confidence reposed in him and promised to sustain the trust with more commitment to the overall growth and development of the University.
He further thanked the immediate past Vice Chancellor Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche for laying the foundation which he promised to sustain and improve upon.
He also thanked members of management, staff and students for the maximum support since the last 100 days.
Professor Usman also appreciated the host communities, security agencies, traditional institutions and religious leaders for their prayers and support.
Uredo Omale
Public Relations Officer,
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 24TH 2026)
