By Mudi Mohammed
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has pledged to continue projecting the values of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, describing his years at the institution as foundational to his current leadership role.
Professor Usman made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of immediate past principal officers of the Polytechnic in his office at Anyigba.
According to a statement issued by Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer of Prince Abubakar Audu University, the delegation was led by the former Registrar, Elder Sunday Aiyeetan, on behalf of the Deputy Rector, Dr Samuel Olowo. Other members were the former Bursar, Mr Adeika Obadaki Obaro; former Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Ozohu Omolola Mohammed Audu; former Director of Works, Engr. Abdullahi Ayni Adamu; and former Director of Academic Planning, Mr Isaac Sanni.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Elder Aiyeetan congratulated Professor Usman on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and described him as an administrator with a proven record of innovation and discipline. He said the Polytechnic still associates Professor Usman with major reforms carried out during his tenure as Rector, including infrastructural renewal, digital automation, improved quality assurance, and staff capacity development.
He noted that the former Rector created an enabling environment for staff to pursue higher degrees, a development that strengthened the academic base of the institution. He added that the visit was to honour Professor Usman’s legacy and to urge him to replicate the same leadership drive at PAAU.
Responding, Professor Usman thanked the former officers for the visit, describing it as a reflection of the cordial relationship that still exists between him and his former colleagues. He paid special tribute to Dr Olowo and Mr Sanni, who taught him Economics as a student at the Polytechnic and later served under his administration.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the mentorship of past leaders of the Polytechnic, including the late Professor Mathew Ajibero, Dr Isah Mohammed and Dr Attah Haruna, as well as consultations with former Vice-Chancellors that shaped his management approach.
He attributed the achievements recorded at Kogi Poly to teamwork, noting that with the cooperation of staff and students, his administration completed long-abandoned TETFund projects dating back to 2010, delivered new facilities across the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses, renovated hostels, and facilitated the return of students to campus after a five-year break.
Professor Usman further stated that the Polytechnic under his watch secured overdue programme accreditations, restored discipline and academic integrity, and reviewed its 2025–2030 strategic plan.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for the confidence reposed in him. He recalled serving first as Acting Rector and later as substantive Rector, with a second-term renewal, before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of PAAU on 11th February, 2026 — the same day he handed over at the Polytechnic.
The VC said he served under two Governing Councils of the Polytechnic chaired by Professor Yakubu Isah and Barrister Sani Momoh respectively, and received letters of commendation from both. He disclosed that PAAU’s Governing Council also honoured him within his first 100 days in office.
Professor Usman urged the former principal officers to continue to deploy their experience and institutional memory to support the growth of the Polytechnic, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to remain a worthy ambassador of the institution.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Sani Rufai Abdullahi, said Professor Usman’s track record at Kogi Poly would continue to positively impact PAAU.
The event ended with the presentation of copies of the PAAU News Bulletin to the visitors.
