PAAU VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROF USMAN VISITS FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES, ADVOCATES COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND FUNCTIONAL ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has continued his familiarisation tour of academic faculties with a visit to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, where he received a warm reception from staff and students.
Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University Management on Thursday, 19 February 2026, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Professor Ige Abiodun Simeon, described the visit as historic and symbolic, noting that the Vice-Chancellor’s assumption of office represents a return of vision, experience and renewed hope for the University.
Prof. Simeon commended the Vice-Chancellor as a scholar of distinction, seasoned administrator and visionary leader whose presence inspires confidence and a shared sense of purpose within the academic community.
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He also acknowledged the continued support of the University’s Principal Officers and Management team, describing their collaboration as vital to institutional stability and growth.
Providing an overview of developments within the Faculty, the Dean highlighted major achievements recorded under the leadership of the immediate past Dean, Professor Abubakar Salisu, including significant infrastructural improvements such as the provision of three functional generators, which enhanced power supply and improved academic productivity.
He noted that since assuming office in June 2023, the Faculty has sustained this momentum through landscaping and repainting of the old Faculty building ahead of accreditation exercises, thereby improving both the aesthetic appeal and academic environment of the Faculty.
The Dean further disclosed that the Faculty successfully hosted its 5th International Conference themed “The Humanities, Inclusiveness and Good Governance in Contemporary Nigeria,” which attracted scholars from within and outside the country and contributed meaningfully to national intellectual discourse.
He also appreciated the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, toward infrastructural development within the Faculty.
Prof. Simeon further announced the launch of the Faculty journal website, www.thefahscholar.ng, equipped with advanced AI-supported technological features aimed at enhancing accessibility, visibility and global reach of scholarly publications.
Despite these achievements, the Dean outlined key challenges requiring Management’s intervention, including the connection of the new Faculty building to a stable electricity power source, provision of air-conditioning units for professorial offices, and addressing staffing shortages within the Faculty.
He assured the Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty’s unwavering loyalty, cooperation and commitment toward achieving academic excellence, institutional growth and national development.
Responding, Professor Usman expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing his appointment as Vice-Chancellor as a personal homecoming.
He emphasised that rather than lament institutional challenges, the University would continue to present its needs constructively to the State Government, which he described as willing and prepared to support the institution’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that addressing institutional challenges requires collective responsibility, noting that the transformation of the University cannot rest solely on the Vice-Chancellor.
He observed that recurring concerns raised across faculties were largely similar, particularly in staffing, and assured that deliberate steps would be taken to address them.
Prof. Usman reiterated the need to attract and retain academic staff, stating that the University must not become merely a training ground where lecturers pass through without long-term commitment.
He also called for the prioritisation of inaugural lecture series and encouraged greater participation from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in showcasing scholarly contributions.
Advocating stronger alumni engagement, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for a functional alumni association that goes beyond social media presence to actively foster networking opportunities and attract developmental support for the University.
On cooperative matters, he stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that he would not hesitate to take firm decisions in the interest of justice and institutional integrity.
He urged stakeholders and community leaders to promote fairness and ensure restitution in cases involving financial misconduct.
He pleaded for support and prayers for the success of the administration as he steers the affairs of the institution toward sustainable growth, stability and academic excellence.
Prof. Usman commended the Faculty of Arts and Humanities for its longstanding tradition of producing well-grounded graduates and appreciated staff members for their dedication and resilience, assuring them of better days ahead
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of a framed portrait to the Vice-Chancellor by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the students’ body respectivelyy.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. J. J. Orugun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ojah Paul Egwemi; Registrar, Barr. Yahaya S. Alilu; Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Amuhi; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Oladimeji Yemi-Peters; and Director of Academic Planning and Development, Prof. Abayomi Ajayi, amongst others.
— Abdulkadir Bin Abdulmalik
Dependent Writer
18/02/26
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 19TH 2026)
