Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, on Wednesday, formally handed over leadership of the institution to Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime, expressing confidence that the polytechnic is now on a stable and progressive path.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held in the Council Chamber, Prof. Usman said he was leaving office satisfied that the institution had been repositioned for sustainable growth, urging staff, students and stakeholders to accord his successor the same cooperation and loyalty he enjoyed during his tenure.
He noted that his administration, which began on April 7, 2020, assumed office at a particularly difficult period when the polytechnic was grappling with the aftermath of a special audit, security challenges, accreditation threats, infrastructural decay, weak ICT systems, and low stakeholder confidence, alongside a prolonged gap in convocations.
Prof Usman said academic integrity was strengthened through e-governance, secure result and certificate systems, prompt release of results, and improved quality assurance mechanisms.
“For the first time in the history of the Polytechnic, annual reports were institutionalised to document our progress and preserve institutional memory”.
“One of our most remarkable achievements was the successful accreditation of all academic programs culminating in a historic 100 percent Full Accreditation”.
According to him, these challenges informed his adoption of the “3Rs” philosophy, Repair, Reform and Restore, Reforms, which he said guided efforts to rebuild confidence, restore order and reposition the institution.
He stated that with the support of government, management, staff and students, the polytechnic is now safer, stronger, more stable and forward-looking.
Prof. Usman expressed optimism that the incoming rector would consolidate on the achievements recorded and deepen reforms to move the institution to greater heights.
He described what he called a “unique coincidence” linking him and his successor, adding that he was confident Prof. Avidime would excel in the new role.
The outgoing rector also appreciated the Governing Council, Academic Board, principal officers, management, staff, students, traditional rulers, security agencies and media partners for their support throughout his administration.
He paid special tribute to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for reappointing him as rector and for appointing him as the sixth Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), describing the gesture as a mark of trust and confidence.
Prof. Usman further acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Bello for what he called the platform, guidance and leadership that contributed to his career advancement.
He pledged to remain a worthy ambassador of Kogi State Polytechnic as he proceeds to his next assignment, noting that the institution not only shaped him as a student but also entrusted him with the honour of leading it.
In his acceptance remarks, the new Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime promised to sustain the developmental tempo laid down by his predecessor, noting that Professor Usman and himself have a history of succession between them.
He assured the Polytechnic community of renewed vigour and sustainable developmental strides capable of taking the institution to a new level.
Avidime also used the occasion to acknowledge Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the appointment, and the opportunity to serve the state. He promised not to disappoint.
