The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has pledged to remain a dedicated ambassador of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, promising to uphold and promote the institution’s values and reputation.
Prof. Usman made the commitment during a courtesy visit paid to his office in Anyigba on Tuesday, 1st September 2026, by immediate past principal officers of Kogi State Polytechnic.
The delegation was led by the immediate past Registrar, Elder Sunday Aiyeetan, on behalf of the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Olowo. Other members of the visiting team included the immediate past Bursar, Mr. Adeika Obadaki Obaro; immediate past Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Ozohu Omolola Mohammed Audu; immediate past Director of Works and Services, Engr. Abdullahi Ayni Adamu; and immediate past Director of Academic Planning, Mr. Isaac Sanni.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Elder Aiyeetan congratulated Prof. Usman on his historic appointment as Vice-Chancellor, describing him as a visionary administrator whose competence, innovation, and integrity remain worthy of commendation. He noted that Kogi State Polytechnic would long remember Prof. Usman for the transformation, stability, and discipline achieved during his tenure as Rector, particularly in infrastructural development, digital automation, quality assurance, and staff development.
Elder Aiyeetan highlighted that the former Rector actively encouraged and supported staff members to pursue doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees, thereby bolstering the institution’s academic capacity and culture of scholarship. He stated that the visit was an expression of respect, recognition, and gratitude for Prof. Usman’s enduring legacy, expressing confidence in his ability to effortlessly provide similar transformative leadership at PAAU.
Responding, Prof. Usman expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing it as a testament to the sustained cordial relationship between him and his former colleagues. He extended special gratitude to his former teachers at the Polytechnic who later served in his administration—Dr. Samuel Olowo, who taught him Macroeconomics, and Mr. Isaac Sanni, who taught him Microeconomics—citing their wealth of experience as a crucial pillar of support.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the foundational guidance he received from his predecessors, including the late Professor Mathew Ajibero, Dr. Isah Mohammed, and Dr. Attah Haruna, as well as several former Vice-Chancellors whose counsel significantly influenced his administrative decisions. He equally praised the staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, emphasizing that the achievements of his administration were the results of collective commitment.
Reflecting on his tenure as Rector, Prof. Usman recounted how joint efforts enabled his administration to complete abandoned TETFund projects dating back to 2010, execute new projects across the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses, renovate abandoned hostels, and return students to campus after a five-year hiatus. He added that the administration consistently cleared backlog accreditations dating as far back as 2009, restored academic integrity, and reviewed the Polytechnic’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030.
Prof. Usman paid tribute to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the trust reposed in him. He recalled that after serving as Acting Rector and substantive Rector—with a second-term renewal—11th February 2026 remained a historic date in his career, as he simultaneously handed over leadership at the Polytechnic and assumed the mantle of leadership as Vice-Chancellor of PAAU.
He noted that he earned letters of commendation from two successive Governing Councils at the Polytechnic, chaired by Professor Yakubu Isah and Barrister Sani Momoh, respectively, alongside a recent commendation from the PAAU Governing Council within his first 100 days in office. Reaffirming his pledge to remain a good ambassador of the Polytechnic, he urged the former principal officers to continue leveraging their institutional memory for the advancement of Kogi State Polytechnic.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Sani Rufai Abdullahi, acknowledged Prof. Usman’s administrative track record and expressed certainty that his leadership would further elevate Prince Abubakar Audu University. The visit concluded with the Vice-Chancellor presenting copies of the PAAU News Bulletin to the delegation.
