PROF. SALISU OGBO USMAN OFFICIALLY ASSUMES DUTY AS VICE-CHANCELLOR OF PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY (PAAU), ANYIGBA
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has officially assumed duty as the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba.
The formal handover ceremony took place at the University new Senate Building on 11th February, 2026, following his successful six (6) year tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
At the ceremony, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Tenuche Ohunene, presented the handover documents to her successor.
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During the session, Prof. Marietu Tenuche Ohunene carefully took Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman through the documents, thoroughly highlighting the successes recorded during her tenure, the challenges encountered, and the prospects for the continued growth and development of the institution.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman expressed deep appreciation to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and his successor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the trust and confidence reposed in him; first to administer Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for six (6) years, and now to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
He described his appointment as a call to higher service and pledged his unwavering commitment and loyalty to advancing the University system.
The new Vice-Chancellor assured the University community that he would consolidate on the achievements recorded by previous administrations and work diligently to elevate the institution to greater heights.
He frowned at parochial sentiments, gossip, and rumour-mongering, stressing that such tendencies are inimical to progress and institutional stability.
Prof. Usman emphasized that his administration would be anchored on wide consultations, inclusiveness, transparency and collective responsibility, promising not to fail in the assignment entrusted to him.
As part of his first official engagement, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman paid a courtesy visit to the Ogohi Ónù Anyìgbá Palace, the host community of the University, to seek royal blessings and strengthen town-and-gown relations.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor stated; “I consider this visit as my first official engagement upon assumption of duty because I respect and value town-and-gown relations.”
The palace session was witnessed by prominent royal fathers, including His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Opaluwa Oguche Matthew, the Atta Igala; His Royal Highness, Dr. Abubakar Sediq Ahmed Yakubu II, the Ejeh of Ankpa, who stood in for the Atta Igala; and His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Ónù Anyìgbá.
In their separate remarks, the royal fathers pledged their support to Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman in his new assignment. HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Ónù Anyìgbá, assured the Vice-Chancellor that the palace remains open for consultation at all times in the interest of peace and development.
HRH Dr. Abubakar Sediq Ahmed Yakubu II, the Ejeh of Ankpa, speaking on behalf of HRM Alhaji Opaluwa Oguche Matthew, the Atta Igala, expressed pride in Prof. Usman, describing him as a worthy son of the land.
He also appreciated former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and the current Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for finding him worthy of the appointment.
The visit signaled renewed efforts toward sustained collaboration between Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and its host community in fostering peace, unity, development, and academic excellence.
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
abdulmalikabdulkadir@gmail.com
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 12TH 2026)
