PAAU Moves to Resolve Alumni Crisis, Sets Timeline for Reconciliation, Fresh Elections »

The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has initiated decisive steps to end the longstanding crisis within its Alumni Association, signalling a renewed push for unity and institutional progress.

Less than two months after assuming office, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, established a high-level committee to address the protracted disputes that have plagued the association for years. The internal divisions marked by factionalisation and legal battles have significantly weakened the alumni body’s cohesion and its capacity to contribute to the university’s development.

The committee, inaugurated on March 23, 2026, is chaired by Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi and comprises notable stakeholders, including Henry Anibe Agbonika, Sunday Faleke, Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya, Prince Hillary Collins Musa, Hon. Comfort Olufunke Obaromi, Mr. Richard Oguche, and Mr. Yusuf Haruna.

The panel was mandated to investigate both immediate and underlying causes of the crisis, engage all factions through dialogue, facilitate amicable resolutions, and recommend pathways for withdrawing ongoing litigations. It was also tasked with proposing strategies to unify all groups under a single, cohesive Alumni Association and prevent future conflicts.

Following extensive consultations, the committee submitted its report to the university management on April 24, 2026. Presenting the report on behalf of the chairman, Dr. Agbonika commended the Vice-Chancellor for his proactive and strategic leadership in addressing what he described as a deeply entrenched crisis.

He reaffirmed the alumni’s commitment to peace and institutional advancement, assuring that no actions would undermine the university’s growth.

Dr. Agbonika further emphasised that the 2009 Alumni Constitution registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission remains the only legally recognised framework guiding the association and will underpin all reconciliation efforts moving forward.

In his remarks, Professor Usman described the development as a critical turning point in resolving a crisis that has persisted for too long. He praised the committee’s swift and diligent work, noting that the calibre of its members reflected the seriousness of management’s intervention.

While reiterating the university’s commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant alumni body, the Vice-Chancellor clarified that management would not interfere in the internal leadership affairs of the association, despite being a key stakeholder.

In a major directive, Professor Usman converted the committee into an implementation body, charging it with overseeing the execution of its recommendations. He mandated the committee to organise a general alumni congress, conduct credible elections, and produce a unified leadership in line with the 2009 Constitution.

He further set a one-month deadline for the completion of the reconciliation and transition process, stressing the urgency of restoring stability, credibility, and functionality to the Alumni Association.

The committee, in response, assured management of its readiness to deliver on its mandate within the stipulated timeframe, pledging to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible process.