Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology on Needs Assessment Tour of PAAU »

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology recently embarked on a needs assessment tour of the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba, with the aim of enhancing the institution’s ICT capabilities. The visit was led by the Commissioner of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Helen Adeniyi Aderibigbe, accompanied by Dr. Bashir Sezuo Tenuche, the Director-General of the Kogi State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KICTDA), and Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor.

In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Helen and Dr. Bashir for their visit. She introduced Prof. Olusola Saliu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, and Prof. Daniel Atidoga, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics. Prof. Tenuche provided an overview of the university’s history, highlighting its establishment in November 1999 and the commencement of academic activities in 2000. She noted that the university has expanded significantly over the years, with over eight faculties, including the recently established College of Health Sciences.

Prof. Tenuche emphasized that PAAU has achieved remarkable success, with 54 programs fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). She highlighted the university’s strengths in sciences, law, creative arts, sports, and ICT, while acknowledging the need for improvement in ICT skills. The Vice-Chancellor expressed her appreciation for the state government’s support, particularly in the area of security, and thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his efforts in promoting the university’s growth.

Dr. Bashir Sezuo Tenuche, in his remarks, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for hosting the team and explained the purpose of their visit. He emphasized the need to tackle ICT phobia among students and to inculcate the habit of training and retraining both students and educators on the importance of ICT development in the learning environment.

Dr. Helen, in her response, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the warm welcome and acknowledged the university’s progress. However, she noted that there is still room for improvement in ICT development. She assured the Vice-Chancellor that the ministry, in collaboration with KICTDA, is committed to promoting ICT development not only in PAAU but also across all institutions in Kogi State.

The team visited various departments, including the ICT Lab, Central Research Laboratory, NITDA, PAAU Department of Fishery and Aquaculture Farm, College of Health Sciences, Center for Atmospheric Research, and the PAAU Sports Centre. These visits were aimed at assessing the university’s ICT needs and identifying areas for intervention.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Helen appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for her leadership and commitment to the university’s growth. She emphasized that the ministry, in collaboration with KICTDA, will work to address the university’s needs, particularly in areas such as energy provision, internet facilities, and equipment for CBT centers.

The visit ended with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Olusola Saliu, and closing prayers by Prof. Daniel Atidoga the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics. The needs assessment tour marked a significant step towards enhancing PAAU’s ICT capabilities and promoting digital learning in the institution.