By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to education, describing it as the strongest pillar of human and societal development.
The governor spoke at the 7th combined Convocation Ceremony and 25th anniversary celebration of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, his first as Visitor to the institution since assuming office.
Governor Ododo said the convocation was a historic moment for reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the ideals of education, stressing that nations are built not only by infrastructure but by enlightened and disciplined minds.
He paid a glowing tribute to the founder of the university, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a visionary leader who believed deeply in the power of education to transform society.
“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 institution,” the governor said.
Governor Ododo noted that the university has grown significantly 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 after twelve years of stagnation.
According to him, the state government has gone beyond accreditation by providing the infrastructure, equipment, and manpower needed to train world-class medical professionals.
“This marks a defining chapter in the history of the university. This is the era when Prince Abubakar Audu University truly came of age,” he said.
The governor also emphasized student welfare, noting that bursary schemes and other interventions have been sustained to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to education.
He noted that the state government has improved internal road networks, strengthened campus security, and promoted collaboration among the state-owned universities.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms and for strengthening the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which he said has had visible impact on infrastructure, staff development, and research at the university.
He called on the Federal Government to further strengthen TETFund, describing it as an investment in Nigeria’s future.
During the ceremony, Governor Ododo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.
He dedicated the award to past leaders who contributed to the development of the institution and to the people of Kogi State.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ibrahim Abdul Aguye, said the university had recorded remarkable progress in recent years, including 100 per cent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years.
He said that new programmes have been introduced, faculties unbundled, and a conducive learning and working environment created, particularly in the area of campus security. He commended the state government for reviving the MBBS programme and for its continued support.
Professor Aguye also praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, for her focused, transparent, and people-oriented leadership, noting that staff welfare and institutional stability improved significantly under her tenure.
In her address, Professor Tenuche noted that a total of 26,160 first-degree graduates were produced across five academic sessions covered by the convocation, while 1,139 postgraduate students graduated, including PhD, Master’s, and PGD holders.
She said the number of degree-awarding programmes increased from 46 to 64 during her administration, representing about 40 per cent growth.
She highlighted security, work ethics, and staff and student welfare as key pillars of her leadership, noting that no security incident involving gunshots had been recorded on campus since 2020.
Professor Tenuche also acknowledged the role of TETFund, security agencies, host communities, and the state government in the university’s growth.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Governor Ododo inspected and Inaugurated several projects on campus, including Patrick Adaba Road, named after the late former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
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