By Abdulkadir Bin Abdulmalik.
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has announced a ban on the traditional sign-out celebration practice within and outside the university.
He, however, explained that the Final Year Brethren (FYB) Week celebration would continue under proper regulation and institutional guidelines.
Addressing students of the university during an interactive session on Thursday, Prof. Usman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to academic excellence, improved welfare and sustainable institutional development.
The Vice-Chancellor advised students to remain focused on their studies, describing academic challenges as necessary investments toward future success.
He assured students of the timely release of examination results, adding that results would henceforth be accessible through the university portal, while the practice of physical posting of results would be discontinued.
Prof. Usman further announced that General Studies (GST) examinations would now be conducted before departmental examinations and encouraged students to pay their school fees promptly to avoid administrative challenges.
He urged students to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid ethnic or sectional sentiments capable of undermining harmony on campus. Drawing from his experience at Kogi State Polytechnic, he emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation and mutual respect in building a stable academic environment.
He cautioned students against cult-related activities, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, drug abuse, and other forms of misconduct, stressing that discipline and responsible behaviour remain essential to academic success and institutional reputation.
Highlighting ongoing and planned interventions, Prof. Usman disclosed efforts to address water shortages in hostels, renovation of Dangana Hostel into a modern facility and construction of public toilet facilities within the university environment to improve student welfare.
He also outlined technological advancements under his administration, including plans for the establishment of a Directorate of E-Learning to enhance online education and ICT integration, installation of solar power systems in faculties to support administrative operations, and provision of solar-powered lighting in classrooms to improve reading and examination conditions.
Speaking during the session, Professor Usman commended former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for stabilizing the university’s academic calendar and appreciated the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support, confidence and trust in his leadership.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would justify the confidence reposed in him.
Reaffirming his vision for the institution, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the potentials of both students and the university remain enormous, assuring that his administration would continue to pursue policies that promote academic excellence, improved welfare and institutional growth.
He described the university as an institution closely tied to his personal and professional journey, noting that he began his academic career at the university and had served in several leadership capacities prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. J. J. Orugun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ojah Paul Egwemi; Registrar, Barr. Yahaya S. Alilu; Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Amuhi; University Librarian, Dr. Oladimeji Yemi-Peters; Dean, Student Affairs, amongst others.
