By Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK.
The Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has held its first congregation meeting with members of the university community, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional discipline and inclusive governance.
The meeting, held at the University Auditorium on Monday marked the first Congregation under Prof. Usman’s administration, providing an opportunity for formal engagement with staff members while outlining his vision for the institution’s growth and development.
In his address, the new Vice-Chancellor described his appointment as a “homecoming”, noting that returning to the university where he began his academic career comes with significant expectations.
He assured staff of his resolve to meet those expectations through purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and collective responsibility.
Prof. Usman urged members of the University Community to embrace global best practices and pursue excellence, stressing that professionalism and institutional progress must take precedence over parochial interests.
He cautioned against rumor-mongering and workplace gossip, describing them as counterproductive to the advancement of the university.
The Vice Chancellor also warned against truancy, and unethical sharp practices capable of undermining quality assurance, emphasizing discipline, accountability and professionalism as pillars of institutional excellence.
Reaffirming his commitment to participatory leadership, Prof. Usman announced that his administration would operate an open-door policy to encourage consultations and collective contributions toward effective university administration.
He called for stronger cooperation amongst members of staff to improve both staff and student welfare, highlighting mentorship as a critical tool for fostering professionalism, mutual respect and institutional progress within the academic environment.
The Vice Chancellor further reiterated his administration’s focus on research, innovation and quality assurance, noting that universities must function as problem-solving entities for society.
He disclosed that the university’s Strategic Plan expired in 2020, emphasizing the urgent need to develop a new roadmap to reposition the institution for future growth and direction.
As part of efforts to enhance global visibility and academic standing, Prof. Usman announced plans to prioritize inaugural lectures while strengthening quality assurance mechanisms across academic and administrative processes.
He also observed that the University’s Scheme and Conditions of Service were last reviewed in 2008 and assured staff that steps would be taken to develop a more modern and robust framework.
Pledging to lead with fairness, justice and equity, Professor Usman appealed for patience, noting that sustainable institutional transformation requires the establishment of strong and enduring structures.
He reassured the members of staff that the essential groundwork would be set up, so that, in the end, everyone in the university community would take pride in the institution’s advancements.
Staff members who spoke during the meeting pledged their cooperation and support, assuring the new leadership of their collective commitment to achieving the goals of his administration.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for unity, institutional growth and sustained academic excellence within the university community.
