A lecturer, Dr. Atabo Aruwa Julius has emerged National President of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Alumni Association.
Dr. Julius, who works in the same institution, emerged victorious at the association’s National Delegates Congress held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, September 25, 2026, after defeating his only challenger, Mr. Idajili Alih Monday.
Declaring the result, Chairman of the Election Committee, ELCOM, Comrade Benjamin Jeremiah, said Dr. Atabo Aruwa Julius polled 81 votes, while Mr. Idajili secured 18 votes, with 100 votes cast and one declared invalid.
According to the ELCOM Chairman, the only position that was contested was that of the National President, while other offices were filled unopposed.
Other members of the new executive committee elected unopposed are; Deputy President, Hon. Comr. Monday Ejiga; Vice President, East, Sylvanus Ufaruna; Vice President Central, Puke Simpa Isaac; Vice President, West, Hon. Obalaja Lanre; Secretary General, Ogu Ukwubile Acho; Assistant Secretary, Peter Onucheyo, Treasurer, Ajih Sam and Financial Secretary, Sunday Eneojo Obaje.
The rest are, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Samuel Atuluku; Social/Welfare Officer, Odiba Friday Akoji; Legal Adviser, Isah O. Aliu, Esq; Internal Auditor, Dr. Sunday Simon; Women Leader, Faruna Grace O; while the three Ex-Officio members are Hon. Thompson Alfa, Comr. Okeme Y. Okeme, and Mallam Ibraheems.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Atabo Aruwa Julius described his emergence as a call to service rather than merely a victory, promising to work for the unity, welfare and development of the Alumni Association and its alma mata
He expressed appreciation to the Election Committee, Alumnus across Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as those who supported his vision.
The newly elected president also acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders to the development of Kogi State and Prince Abubakar Audu University.
He particularly commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor Idris Ichalla Wada, the late Governor Ibrahim Idris, and the late founder of the university, Prince Abubakar Audu, for their contributions to the development of the state and the institution.
Dr. Julius also praised the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Professor Usman Salisu Ogbo, describing his leadership as purposeful and digitally driven.
According to him, the Vice-Chancellor has demonstrated true leadership and initiated significant transformation at the University.
The new Alumni President who identified unity and reconciliation as one of the major priorities of his administration, pledged to strengthen relationships among the various chapters, reconcile differences and ensure that every alumnus feels valued.
Other priorities include Alumni welfare and engagement, stronger collaboration between national, state and diaspora chapters, development of the alma mata, youth mentorship and career development.
He also promised greater transparency and accountability, as well as partnerships and resource mobilisation with government, private organisations and development partners to support sustainable projects.
Dr. Julius called on members of the Association to put the election behind them and work together for the progress of the organisation and the University.
The highlight of the event was a vote of confidence on the Governor and Vice Chancellor of the PAAU.
