Repair, Reform, Restore: Inside Prof. Ogbo's Six Years Journey Through Kogi State Polytechnic »

The recent appointment of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman as the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has been widely received as a well-deserved elevation. Coming barely two years into his renewed tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, the appointment emphasizes the strong confidence reposed in him by the Kogi State Government and the broader academic community.

For six years, Professor Ogbo steered the affairs of Kogi State Polytechnic through a period that demanded courage, vision, and administrative tact. His tenure, anchored in three simple but powerful words: Repair, Reform, and Restore (3R), a philosophy that defined his leadership and shaped the institution’s transformation.

When Professor Ogbo assumed office, the Polytechnic faced numerous challenges ranging from infrastructural decay to administrative inefficiencies and declining academic standards. His first task was to stabilize the system and restore order.

Through deliberate policies and strategic engagement with stakeholders, he re-established institutional discipline and laid a foundation for sustainable growth.

Physical infrastructure across the campuses began to witness gradual rehabilitation. Classrooms, offices, and essential facilities that had long been neglected received attention. This physical renewal was symbolic of a deeper administrative reset that sought to reposition the institution for relevance and excellence.

Professor Ogbo’s tenure was marked by significant reforms aimed at strengthening academic quality and administrative efficiency. He prioritized the accreditation of programmes, ensuring that departments met regulatory standards. This effort not only enhanced the institution’s academic credibility but also secured the future of students and staff alike.

Under his leadership, the Polytechnic witnessed improved staff development initiatives, increased emphasis on research and innovation, and a renewed focus on professionalism. Administrative processes were streamlined, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

His reform agenda also extended to student affairs. By fostering a culture of discipline, dialogue, and engagement, he helped to create a more stable academic environment, one where learning could thrive without unnecessary disruptions.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Professor Ogbo’s six-year journey is the restoration of confidence in Kogi State Polytechnic. Staff morale improved, students became more focused, and the institution, once regarded as a “Glorified Primary School” began to regain its reputation as a centre of technical and vocational excellence.

Stakeholders ranging from government officials to alumni and community leaders renewed their faith in the Polytechnic’s leadership. The institution’s public image improved, and it began to attract renewed attention as a vital contributor to human capital development in the state.

Through prudent management and visionary leadership, Professor Ogbo restored not just structures, but also hope, pride, and a sense of purpose within the Polytechnic community. It is now a thing of pride to be identified as a student or staff of Kogi State Polytechnic.

Like Jim Butcher said, “The reward for work well-done is more work”. Professor Ogbo’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University is therefore not surprising. It is a natural progression for a leader whose track record demonstrates competence, integrity, and results-oriented governance.

If his six years at Kogi State Polytechnic are anything to go by, the university community in Anyigba can expect a leader who understands the complexities of tertiary education administration and possesses the courage to make tough, necessary decisions.

Professor Ogbo has shown that transformation is possible when leadership is driven by vision, discipline, and commitment to excellence. As he takes on his new role, there is every reason to believe that he will replicate, and perhaps surpass the successes recorded during his tenure at the Polytechnic.

His journey from Rector to Vice-Chancellor is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership. The same spirit of Repair, Reform, and Restore that defined his stewardship at Kogi State Polytechnic now sets the tone for a new chapter at Prince Abubakar Audu University.

The expectation is high, but so is the confidence in his capacity to deliver.

Kerry Haruna. #Ifokanbale