PAAU at 25: Ododo Hails Education as Nation-Builder at 7th Convocation, MBBS Programme Fully Revived

This post has already been read at least 113 times!

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to education, describing it as the most enduring foundation for human capital development and sustainable societal advancement.

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to education, describing it as the most enduring foundation for human capital development and sustainable societal advancement.

Governor Ododo spoke at the 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 25th Anniversary of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba—his first official convocation engagement as Visitor to the institution since assuming office. He described the occasion as a landmark moment for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to academic excellence, stressing that enduring nations are built not merely by infrastructure, 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 lasting nations,” the Governor said.

He paid glowing tribute to the late founder of the university, Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a visionary whose belief in education continues to shape generations. According to him, the founder’s dream remains alive in the lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and aspirations of students who pass through the institution.

Governor Ododo noted the university’s remarkable growth in size, stature, and credibility, citing visible 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 been dormant for twelve years.

“Beyond accreditation, our government has deliberately provided the infrastructure, equipment, and manpower required to train world-class medical professionals,” he stated, describing the milestone as a defining chapter in the university’s history and the moment PAAU truly came of age.

The Governor also underscored his administration’s focus on student welfare, explaining that bursary schemes and other support interventions have been sustained to ensure financial challenges do not hinder access to education. He added that the state government has improved internal road networks on campus, strengthened security architecture, and promoted collaboration among state-owned tertiary institutions to enhance academic output.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo praised the Federal Government’s economic reforms and the strengthening of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), noting their visible impact on infrastructure development, staff training, and research at the university. He described TETFund as one of Nigeria’s most strategic investments and called for its further strengthening for greater national impact.

In recognition of his contributions to public service and governance, Governor Ododo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration. He dedicated the honour to the people of Kogi State and to past leaders who laid the foundation of the university.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ibrahim Abdul Aguye, disclosed that the university has maintained 100 per cent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years. He highlighted the introduction of new programmes, the unbundling of faculties, and the creation of a more conducive teaching and learning environment, 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 praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, for her transparent, people-centred, and purposeful leadership, noting significant improvements in staff welfare and institutional stability during her tenure.

In her address, Professor Tenuche revealed that the university produced 26,160 first-degree graduates across the five academic sessions covered by the convocation, alongside 1,139 postgraduate graduates, including PhD, Master’s, and PGD holders. She added that degree-awarding programmes increased from 46 to 64 under her administration—nearly a 40 per cent growth.

Highlighting security, work ethics, and welfare as pillars of her leadership, she noted that since 2020, no security incident involving gunshots has been recorded on campus, attributing the record to a proactive security framework. She acknowledged the support of TETFund, security agencies, host communities, and the Kogi State Government as critical to the university’s sustained growth.

As part of the convocation activities, Governor Ododo inspected and commissioned several projects on campus, including the Patrick Adaba Road, named in honour of the late former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.

StreetReporters.ng

This post has already been read at least 113 times!