By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Anyigba, Kogi
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to education, describing it as the most enduring pillar for human capital development and sustainable societal progress.
The Governor stated this at the 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 25th Anniversary celebration of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, marking his first official convocation outing as Visitor to the University since assuming office.
Governor Ododo described the ceremony as a defining moment for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to academic excellence, stressing that nations are not built by physical infrastructure alone, but by enlightened, disciplined, and innovative minds.
“Education remains the strongest instrument for shaping the future of any society. While roads and buildings are important, it is knowledge, character, and discipline that truly build enduring nations,” the Governor said.
He paid glowing tribute to the late founder of the institution, Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a visionary leader whose belief in education continues to shape generations.
“Though Prince Abubakar Audu is no longer with us, his dream lives on in every lecture hall, laboratory, library, and in the aspirations of every student who passes through this great institution,” Ododo noted.
The Governor observed that the university has recorded remarkable growth in size, stature, and credibility, citing improvements in infrastructure, academic stability, research culture, and programme expansion.
A major highlight of his address was the full reactivation and accreditation of the MBBS programme, which had remained dormant for twelve years.
“Beyond accreditation, our government has deliberately provided the infrastructure, equipment, and manpower required to train world-class medical professionals,” he said.
“This moment marks a defining chapter in the history of this university. This is the era when Prince Abubakar Audu University truly came of age.”
Governor Ododo also emphasized his administration’s commitment to student welfare, noting that bursary schemes and other support interventions have been sustained to ensure that financial challenges do not hinder access to education.
He added that the state government has improved internal road networks within the campus, enhanced security architecture, and promoted collaboration among state-owned tertiary institutions to strengthen academic output.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor praised the Federal Government’s economic reforms and the strengthening of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which he said has had visible impact on infrastructure development, staff training, and research advancement at the university.
“TETFund remains one of the most strategic investments in Nigeria’s future. I call on the Federal Government to further strengthen it for greater impact,” he appealed.
In recognition of his contributions to public service and governance, Governor Ododo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration during the ceremony.
He dedicated the honour to past leaders who laid the foundation of the university and to the people of Kogi State.
“This honour belongs to the people of Kogi State and to all leaders who have contributed, in one way or another, to the growth of this institution,” he said.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ibrahim Abdul Aguye, disclosed that the university has recorded sustained progress, including 100 per cent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years.
He revealed that new programmes have been introduced, faculties unbundled, and a more conducive teaching and learning environment created, particularly through improved campus security. He commended the state government for reviving the MBBS programme and for its consistent support to the institution.
Professor Aguye also lauded the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, for her transparent, people-centred, and purposeful leadership, noting that staff welfare and institutional stability improved significantly during her tenure.
In her address, Professor Tenuche disclosed that 26,160 first-degree graduates were produced across the five academic sessions covered by the convocation, alongside 1,139 postgraduate graduates, including PhD, Master’s, and PGD holders.
She stated that the number of degree-awarding programmes increased from 46 to 64 under her administration, representing nearly 40 per cent growth.
Highlighting security, work ethics, and welfare as pillars of her leadership, she noted:
“Since 2020, no security incident involving gunshots has been recorded on campus, a testament to our proactive security framework.”
Professor Tenuche acknowledged the support of TETFund, security agencies, host communities, and the Kogi State Government, describing their contributions as critical to the university’s sustained growth.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Governor Ododo inspected and commissioned several projects on campus, including Patrick Adaba Road, named in honour of the late former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
