PAAU VC Pushes for Research Excellence, Stronger Institutional Framework at Social Sciences Faculty
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has continued his familiarisation tour of academic faculties with a visit to the Faculty of Social Sciences, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to academic excellence, research development and improved institutional productivity.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, formed part of the Vice-Chancellor’s ongoing engagement with faculties aimed at strengthening collaboration with staff and students while assessing academic and infrastructural needs of the University.
Receiving the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University Management, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Ojochenemi Idoko, described the visit as a homecoming, noting that the Faculty remains the foundation of the Vice-Chancellor’s academic career.
The Dean commended Prof. Usman’s transformative leadership during his tenure at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, where he repositioned the institution into a competitive centre of academic excellence.
Providing an overview of developments within the Faculty, Dr. Idoko explained that upon assuming office as Acting Dean in May 2025, several strategic initiatives were introduced following consultations with Heads of Departments and stakeholders to improve academic standards and the learning environment.
He outlined several infrastructural and technical improvements undertaken by the Faculty, including erosion control on access roads, replacement of suspended ceilings, repairs of leaking lecture theatre roofs, installation of solar power systems in administrative offices, the GIS Laboratory and Faculty Library, as well as improved security through installation of burglary-proof gates and renovation of lecture theatre facilities.
On academic progress, the Dean noted that Economics and Sociology programmes recently secured successful accreditation, while Mass Communication was unbundled into six specialised programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in late 2025.
He added that the Faculty’s performance earned recognition at the University Senate Chamber, where he was honoured as the “Most Performing Dean,” with other faculties encouraged to adopt the Faculty’s management approach.
Despite these achievements, he appealed for Management’s intervention in critical areas such as staff welfare implementation, payment of promotion arrears, enhanced campus security, sponsorship for academic conferences, and accelerated scheduling of inaugural lectures.
Responding, Prof. Usman expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, describing the familiarization as a personal homecoming and acknowledging the Faculty’s role in shaping his academic journey.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the critical role of mentorship in academic development, noting that he is himself a product of mentorship and encouraging senior academics to deliberately guide and nurture younger scholars for institutional continuity and excellence.
He stated that the challenges identified are surmountable through collective responsibility, collaboration and shared commitment among staff and management.
Prof. Usman further emphasised the need for institutional partnerships and research collaborations capable of enhancing global research visibility, while encouraging staff to develop innovative ideas that would contribute to the growth of the University.
He charged the Department of Geography to strengthen practical components of its academic programmes and urged academic staff to maximise opportunities provided through Institutional-Based Research Grants by developing high-impact research proposals capable of attracting external funding.
The Vice-Chancellor warned against sharp practices and extortion capable of undermining the integrity of the University system and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency.
In a demonstration of personal support for the Faculty, Prof. Usman restore and subscribed to the Faculty’s internet service to improve connectivity and enhance academic productivity among staff.
He concluded by assuring the Faculty of his determination to make meaningful impact through collective support, encouragement, and sustained institutional cooperation.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. J. J. Orugun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ojah Paul Egwemi; Registrar, Barr. Yahaya S. Alilu; Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Amuhi; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Oladimeji Yemi-Peters, amongst others.
Compiled by Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
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