By Abdulkadir Bin Abdulmalik
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has commissioned a newly constructed students’ relaxation centre built by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the Faculty of Education.
The facility was named in honour of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, attracted principal officers of the university, members of management, staff, student leaders, and distinguished guests, marking the first project to be commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor since assuming office.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Lawrence Achimugu, described the occasion as historic and symbolic, noting that the project represents legacy, mentorship and purposeful leadership within the university community.
He commended the Students’ Union Government for situating the project in the Faculty of Education, popularly referred to as the “mother of all faculties.”
The Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Rilwan Abubakar Obaje, stated that the relaxation centre was constructed to promote student welfare and provide a conducive environment for relaxation and academic interaction.
He explained that the facility, which has a seating capacity of about 60 students, was initiated to address the shortage of relaxation spaces within the faculty.
He noted that although he is a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the project was deliberately executed outside his faculty to demonstrate inclusive leadership and commitment to the entire student body.
Comrade Obaje added that the facility was named after Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche in recognition of her motherly leadership, unwavering support for students, and significant contributions to the development and structural advancement of the university.
Also speaking, the Executive President of the Education Students Association of Nigeria (PAAU Chapter), Rotr. Solomon Victor Orma-Ofo, commended the SUG leadership for initiating a landmark project, noting that the relaxation centre would provide students with a space to relax, refresh, and strengthen academic engagement.
Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Sunday Adetunji Adegoke, expressed satisfaction with the project, attributing the achievement to transparent student union elections and effective leadership.
He welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and management, expressing optimism that more developmental projects would be realized.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the Students’ Union Government for demonstrating vision and commitment, stating that the SUG President had “written his name in gold” through the successful execution of the project.
He emphasized the importance of mentorship, noting that undertaking the project in the Faculty of Education by a student from another faculty reflected respect and honor for teachers and mentors.
Prof. Usman also praised the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, acknowledging her impactful interventions that strengthened and beautified the university community.
He described the naming of the relaxation centre after her as a deserving honour.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the laws and guiding principles of the university, adding that the commissioning, being his first official project inauguration since assuming office, was a special privilege, particularly as it honoured a predecessor he described as a mentor.
Highlights of the ceremony include the official presentation of a student notebook in honour of Prof. Usman’s exemplary and transformative leadership at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
