PAAU VC, PROFESSOR SALISU OGBO USMAN PLEDGES TO REMAIN A GOOD AMBASSADOR OF KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC, AS FORMER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS PAY COURTESY VISIT
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has pledged to remain a good ambassador of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and continue to promote the values and reputation of the institution.
Prof. Usman made the pledge when immediate past principal officers of the Polytechnic paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 1st September, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office in Anyigba.
The delegation was led by the immediate past Registrar, Elder Sunday Aiyeetan, on behalf of the Deputy Rector, Dr Samuel Olowo. Other members were the immediate past Bursar, Mr Adeika Obadaki Obaro; immediate past Polytechnic Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Ozohu Omolola Mohammed Audu; immediate past Director of Works and Services, Engr. Abdullahi Ayni Adamu; and immediate past Director of Academic Planning, Mr Isaac Sanni.
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Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Elder Aiyeetan congratulated Prof. Usman on his historic appointment as Vice-Chancellor and described him as a visionary administrator whose competence, innovation and integrity remained worthy of commendation.
He said Kogi State Polytechnic would continue to remember Prof. Usman for the transformation, stability and discipline recorded during his tenure as Rector, particularly in infrastructural development, digital automation, quality assurance and staff development.
According to him, the former Rector encouraged and supported members of staff to obtain doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees, thereby strengthening the Polytechnic’s academic capacity and culture of scholarship.
Elder Aiyeetan explained that the visit was not merely a courtesy call but an expression of respect, recognition and gratitude for the enduring legacy of Professor Usman during his tenure at the Polytechnic. He urged the Vice-Chancellor to replicate and sustain his record of excellent service and transformative leadership in the University as they have no doubt in his ability to provide the needed leadership effortlessly.
Responding, Prof. Usman expressed profound appreciation to the former principal officers for the visit, describing it as evidence of the sustained cordial relationship that continued to exist between him and his former colleagues.
He particularly appreciated his former teachers during his days at the Polytechnic as a student, the Deputy Rector, Dr Samuel Olowo, who taught him Macroeconomics, and Mr Isaac Sanni, who taught him Microeconomics, who were Deputy Rector and Director Academic Planning respectively under his administration for their wealth of experience and pillar of support.
The Vice-Chancellor also recalled the guidance he received from his predecessors, including the late Professor Mathew Ajibero, Dr Isah Mohammed and Dr Attah Haruna, as well as some former Vice-Chancellors whom he consulted regularly. He stated that their experience and wise counsel significantly influenced his administrative decisions and contributed to the successes recorded during his tenure as Rector.
Prof. Usman equally appreciated the staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic for their cooperation and support, stressing that the achievements of his administration were products of collective commitment rather than individual effort.
He noted that the cooperation of staff and students, combined with consultations with experienced former Rectors and Vice-Chancellors, enabled his administration to complete abandoned TETFund projects dating back to 2010; initiate and complete new projects across the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses; renovate abandoned hostels; and return students to campus after five years.
He noted that the administration also consistently secured accreditation for programmes, including those due for accreditation as far back as 2009, restored discipline and academic integrity, and reviewed the Polytechnic’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030.
Prof. Usman paid tribute to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for the trust and confidence reposed in him through his appointments as Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
He recalled that he served first as Acting Rector and later as substantive Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic. His appointment was subsequently renewed for a second term before he became Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University on 11th February, 2026.
Prof Usman reiterated that, 11th February, 2026 remain evergreen as historic in his academic and administrative journey as the as the date he handed over the mantle of leadership of the Polytechnic and took over the leadership of the University on the same day.
Reflecting on his administrative journey, Prof. Usman disclosed that he served under two successive Governing Councils of the Polytechnic, chaired by Professor Yakubu Isah and Barrister Sani Momoh, respectively, and received letters of commendation from both Councils. He added that the Governing Council of PAAU also presented him with a letter of commendation within his first 100 days as Vice-Chancellor.
While reaffirming his commitment to remain a good ambassador of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Usman urged the former principal officers to continue deploying their institutional memory and professional expertise towards supporting the Polytechnic and advancing its development.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Sani Rufai Abdullahi, acknowledged Prof. Usman’s significant contributions to the growth of Kogi State Polytechnic and expressed confidence that his administrative experience would continue to positively impact Prince Abubakar Audu University.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of copies of the PAAU News Bulletin to the visiting former principal officers by the Vice-Chancellor.
Uredo Omale
Public Relations Officer
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 8, 2026
