‎
‎
‎Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has officially assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, following a highly successful six-year tenure as the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
‎
‎The transition of leadership took place during a formal handover ceremony held at the university’s new Senate Building on February 11, 2026.
‎
‎The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Tenuche Ohunene, presented the official handover documents to her successor, signaling the start of a new administrative chapter for the institution.
‎
‎
‎During the session, Professor Tenuche Ohunene provided a comprehensive briefing on her administration’s milestones, highlighting key successes, persistent challenges, and the strategic prospects for the university’s future.
‎
‎In his acceptance speech, Professor Usman expressed deep appreciation to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and the Executive Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for their confidence in his leadership capabilities.
‎“I consider this appointment a call to higher service,” Prof. Usman stated.
‎
‎He pledged his unwavering loyalty to the advancement of the university, promising to build upon the foundations laid by previous administrations to elevate PAAU to greater heights.
‎
‎However, he issued a stern warning against negative workplace cultures, specifically frowning at parochial sentiments, gossip, and rumor-mongering. He described such tendencies as “inimical to progress and institutional stability.”
‎
‎
‎Prioritizing community engagement, Professor Usman’s first official act was a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Ogohi Ónù Anyìgbá.
‎
‎
‎“I consider this visit as my first official engagement because I deeply value town-and-gown relations,” the Vice-Chancellor remarked, emphasizing the importance of a harmonious relationship between the university and its host community.
‎
‎The visit was attended by a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers, including
‎HRH Dr. Abubakar Sediq Ahmed Yakubu II (Ejeh of Ankpa), representing the Atta Igala, HRM Alhaji Opaluwa Oguche Matthew, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Ónù Anyìgbá.
‎
‎The royal fathers commended the appointment, describing Prof. Usman as a “worthy son of the land.”
‎
‎HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abu Shaibu Okolo assured the Vice-Chancellor of the palace’s continuous support and open doors for consultations to foster peace and development.
‎
‎The ceremony and subsequent royal visit signal a renewed commitment to academic excellence and communal synergy at Prince Abubakar Audu University.
‎