By Danjuma Amodu | March 16, 2026
The Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (PAAU), has denied allegations of tribalism made against the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, by one Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, describing the claims as “frivolous, divisive, inciting, and baseless.”
In a statement, the University Management said it was unnecessary to respond to such allegations but decided to set the record straight in the interest of institutional clarity and public record.
It however warned: “This will be the first and last time the University will respond to such unfounded and baseless claims whose intent is to distract the Management.”
The Management statement highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership style, which prioritizes solving institutional problems and staff welfare over sectional or sentimental considerations. It reiterated that his administrative philosophy centres on problem-solving, irrespective of who, when, and how issues were created.
Upon assuming office, Prof. Usman addressed the issue of staff employed since 2018 who had not been included on the university payroll for nearly seven years. Through his efforts, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, approved the inclusion of the affected staff members on the payroll, and they will receive their salaries from March 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor’s past record reinforces his reputation for balanced leadership. As Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, he ran an inclusive, detribalized, and reform-oriented administration, earning widespread recognition. His tenure ended with a remarkable ovation from staff and students.
For the sake of transparency and accountability, appointments made by the Vice-Chancellor include:
- Professor Sanni Momoh (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies
- Mr. Rock Adeiza Ezekiel Adeiza (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central) as Director, ITRC
- Mr. Abdulmalik Adinoyi (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) as Pioneer Transport Officer
- Dr. Kizitto Eneye (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central) as Director, Central Laboratory
- Professor Patrick Adejoh Ataja (Dekina, Kogi East) as Director, Academic Planning and Development
- Professor Ken Enejo (Ibaji Kogi East) as Director, Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies (CPDS)
- Mr. Segun Suleiman (Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi Central) as Deputy Director, CPDS
- Dr Samuel Sheneni Shekpe (Bassa, Kogi East) as Chairman e-examination
- Mrs. Uredo Omale (Ankpa LGA, Kogi East) as Public Relations Officer (PRO)
- Mr. Emmanuel Onuh (Olamaboro LGA, Kogi East) as Chief Security Officer
- Dr. Agih Abdul, (Ankpa Kogi East) as Deputy Dean, Student Affairs
- Mr. Power Babaniyi (Yagba East, Kogi West) as Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor
These appointments were made directly by the Vice-Chancellor, while internal departmental changes were carried out by respective Heads of Departments.
A breakdown of the appointments reveals 7 appointees from Kogi Central, 5 from Kogi East (the Vice-Chancellor’s senatorial district), and 1 from Kogi West. Notably, Kogi Central (wich is the senatorial district of Farouk Ozigi Onimisi) has the highest representation contrary to allegations of bias towards Kogi East as peddled by Onimisi.
The Management urged those spreading false information to stop creating unnecessary ethnic tensions and emphasized the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to leading the University with a focus on merit and collective progress.
“We urged rumour-mongers to avoid cherry-picking facts and creating ethnic tensions in an institution that thrives on diversity.”
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman remains committed to leading with merit, balance, and collective progress.
