By Mudi Mohammed
The authority of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba has approved the establishment of nine new Institutes and Centres in the University.
The approval follows the recommendation of the University Senate at its Emergency Meeting held on Wednesday, 9th September, 2026.
The programmes are aimed at expanding the University’s academic, professional, research, and community-service mandates, while creating additional platforms for interdisciplinary scholarship and engagement with contemporary societal needs.
The nine newly approved entities taking effect from the 2026/2027 are the Institute of Strategic Communication and Development, Centre for Continuing Education, Institute of Education, Institute of Vaccine Research and Production, Institute of Digital Innovation and Practice, Institute for Governance and Accountability, Institute of African Studies and Digital Humanities, Institute of Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and Institute of Plant Conservation, Biotechnology and Natural Products.
The approved proposals contain clearly defined missions, visions, and objectives, as well as appropriate academic and administrative structures, proposed curricula/programmes, staffing requirements and organograms to guide their operations.
The establishment of these academic units followed a rigorous screening process by a committee constituted to review submissions from Faculties and academic units in strict compliance with NUC guidelines. Out of eleven proposals submitted to the Senate, nine were approved and recommended to Council, while two were stepped down for further review.
Speaking on the approval, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, stated that the establishment of the Institutes and Centres is expected to strengthen the University’s teachings, research, professional development and community-service responsibilities.
He noted that the institute/centres would serve as regulatory extensions of the University’s academic mission, providing flexible pathways for learners seeking professional skills, postgraduate programmes and quality-assured part-time delivery.
Prof. Usman commended the Senate and the Committee for their diligence and foresight in driving the initiative while reaffirming the management’s commitment to ensuring that the new entities adhere strictly to approved academic standards and regulatory requirements as they commence operationalisation.
He urged prospective students, researchers and relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the diverse opportunities and platforms created by the new Institutes and Centres to advance their academic and professional pursuits.
