Every enduring academic leader is first a student of institutions; learning their strengths, understanding their challenges and internalizing their aspirations.
Leadership in the university system is rarely accidental; it is cultivated through experience, service and preparation over time.
The journey of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman reflects this progression. His academic career was nurtured within the university environment, where he served in various capacities that exposed him to the intricate workings of higher education administration.
Most interesting is the fact that, the only university administrative position he never served within the university system was the office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
From departmental engagements to strategic institutional responsibilities, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman developed a reputation grounded in diligence, accessibility and an unwavering commitment to collective progress.
These experiences did not merely prepare him for leadership; they shaped his governing philosophy; that universities must be seen not only as centres of learning but as problem-solving entity capable of responding to societal needs.
Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Usman has distinguished himself through transformative administrative service beyond the university environment. At Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, his administration as Rector demonstrated that effective governance in education requires vision supported by action, consultation guided by empathy and reforms sustained by discipline and accountability. He did exceptional well.
Today, the emergence of what may be described as “a new voice” in the leadership of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, represents a renewed commitment to institutional stabilization and progress.
This new voice is prepared to strengthen academic excellence and research culture, promote institutional stability and administrative efficiency, enhance student development and welfare, expand partnerships and community engagement, and reposition the university within national and hopefully global academic conversations.
His appointment carries deep symbolic significance. Returning to serve at the pinnacle of leadership within an institution that contributed to one’s academic formation represents continuity; a cycle in which experience gained elsewhere returns as value added to the system that nurtured it.
Such moments inspire confidence because its combine familiarity with innovation; a deep understanding of institutional history alongside the courage to pursue necessary reforms and progressive change.
The making of a new voice in Professor Usman Ogbo’s vice-chancellorship is therefore not a sudden event but an evolving process; one shaped by years of scholarship, tested leadership and unwavering commitment to educational development.
In the history of every university, certain moments define transitions from continuity to renewal. For Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, today’s moment signals the emergence of a leadership voice poised to guide the institution toward stability, relevance, and greater academic distinction.
With our collective support and shared commitment, Prof Usman Ogbo is positioned to deliver purposeful leadership.
He is grounded, ready, prepared, tested and trusted as described by our dear leader, former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON as the poster and special one of the new direction government and as equally sustained by His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman ododo.
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
abdulmalikabdulkadir@gmail.com
