The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has dismissed allegations of ethnic favouritism against its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
The allegations, which circulated on social media and were attributed to a post by Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, accused the vice-chancellor of making administrative decisions influenced by ethnic considerations shortly after assuming office. In a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday, the university management said the claims were unfounded but noted that it responded to provide clarity and place the facts on record.
According to the statement, Prof. Ogbo’s early actions since taking office have focused on addressing institutional challenges. It cited the resolution of a long-standing payroll issue involving staff employed since 2018 who had reportedly not been captured on the university payroll for several years.
The management said the issue was resolved after approval from Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, enabling the affected staff to begin receiving salaries from March 2026. The statement also listed several recent administrative appointments made by the vice-chancellor across different departments and local government areas in Kogi State, saying the distribution reflected institutional needs rather than ethnic considerations.
PAAU further urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims that could create unnecessary tensions within the university community. The management said Prof. Ogbo remains committed to running an inclusive administration focused on merit, institutional balance and the overall development of the university.
