Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has approved the establishment of nine new institutes and centres to expand its academic, research, professional and community-service programmes.
The approval followed the recommendation of the University Senate at its emergency meeting held on Wednesday,
The university disclosed this in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Uredo Omale.
According to the statement, the new academic units, which will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, are designed to provide additional platforms for interdisciplinary scholarship and address contemporary societal needs.
The newly approved units are the Institute of Strategic Communication and Development, Centre for Continuing Education, Institute of Education, Institute of Vaccine Research and Production, Institute of Digital Innovation and Practice, Institute for Governance and Accountability, Institute of African Studies and Digital Humanities, Institute of Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and Institute of Plant Conservation, Biotechnology and Natural Products.
The statement said the approved proposals contain clearly defined missions, visions and objectives, alongside appropriate academic and administrative structures, proposed curricula, staffing requirements and organograms to guide their operations.
It added that the establishment of the new units followed a rigorous screening process by a committee constituted to assess submissions from faculties and academic units in accordance with National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines.
Of the 11 proposals submitted to the Senate, nine were approved and recommended to the University Council, while two were stepped down for further review.
Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, said the new institutes and centres would strengthen the university’s teaching, research, professional development and community-service responsibilities.
Prof. Ogbo explained that the units would serve as extensions of the university’s academic mission by providing flexible pathways for learners seeking professional skills, postgraduate programmes and quality-assured part-time education.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Senate and the committee for their diligence and foresight in advancing the initiative.
He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to ensuring that the new entities comply strictly with approved academic standards and regulatory requirements as they commence operations.
He also urged prospective students, researchers and other stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities created by the institutes and centres to advance their academic and professional pursuits.
