Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said the appointment of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman as Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, was based on his “remarkable achievements” as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
The governor stated this at the 5th combined convocation ceremony of the polytechnic, held at the weekend in Lokoja. He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Salifu Oyibo.Governor Ododo said Professor Ogbo’s tenure was marked by effective leadership and project completion, noting that no inherited project was abandoned. He highlighted the completion of the 7,000-seat lecture theatre, a project abandoned for over 16 years, as evidence of prudent resource management and continuity in governance.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to merit-based leadership in tertiary institutions, stressing that performance and competence, rather than zoning, would guide appointments.The governor also outlined other interventions at the polytechnic, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, fencing of the Itakpe Campus to prevent encroachment, and the deployment of CCTV cameras to enhance campus security.“ These measures reflect our zero-tolerance stance on criminality and our commitment to a safe learning environment,” he said.
In his remarks, the outgoing Rector, Professor Ogbo, said the convocation marked a turning point for the institution after years of irregular ceremonies, symbolising restored academic stability.He urged stakeholders to extend the same support to the new Rector, Professor Sanusi Satihu Avidime, to consolidate the gains achieved.
