Prof. Ogbo Expresses Gratitude Over Successful Inaugural Lecture at Federal University Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has expressed profound gratitude to institutions and individuals whose support contributed to the successful hosting of his inaugural lecture at the Federal University Lokoja on January 14, 2026.
In a statement issued after the event, Professor Usman commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, alongside members of the Senate and the university management, for what he described as exceptional leadership, meticulous planning and flawless execution of the programme. He noted that the institutional support and administrative foresight displayed during the event further reaffirmed the university’s standing as a centre of academic excellence and intellectual rigour.
The Rector also expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented at the lecture by the Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo. According to him, the presence of the state government underscored its commitment to scholarship, intellectual advancement and the strengthening of collaboration between governance and the academic community.
Professor Usman further acknowledged the attendance of Vice-Chancellors of sister universities and heads of other tertiary institutions, describing their presence as a demonstration of inter-institutional solidarity and shared dedication to knowledge production, mentorship and national development through education.
He paid glowing tribute to his academic mentors and senior colleagues, including a former Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Anyigba (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), Professor Hassan Isah; his postgraduate supervisors, Professors Lucky Ovwasa and Shaibu Ibrahim; and the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Professor Hassan Salihu. He described the inaugural lecture as a collective achievement built on years of mentorship, scholarly guidance and intellectual discipline.
The Rector also appreciated the presence of traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, noting that their attendance symbolised the enduring link between scholarship, culture and traditional institutions.
He extended gratitude to top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Ayoade; members of the State House of Assembly; commissioners; special advisers; local government chairmen; councillors; and party stakeholders across the state, whose support he said reflected a growing recognition of the role of academia in policy formulation and sustainable development.
Professor Usman also acknowledged his friends and colleagues in academia, as well as principal officers, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, for their solidarity and encouragement throughout his academic journey.
He reserved special appreciation for his immediate family, whose sacrifices, prayers and unwavering support, he said, sustained him through years of rigorous scholarship.
Concluding, the Rector returned all glory to God, whom he described as the ultimate source of wisdom and grace, while praying for divine reward for all who supported the journey and continued guidance in the pursuit of knowledge, service and truth.
About Post Author
