By Adesakin Adefemi
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has honoured Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman with an Award of Excellence as he formally assumed office as Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), following his tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, NAPS President, and Comr. Noah-Grace Agada II Usman Ibrahim from the Office of the NAPS President described the transition as not merely a change in leadership but a celebration of Prof. Usman’s remarkable contributions to education in Nigeria.
The award was presented at a historic handing-over ceremony attended by dignitaries, students, and stakeholders, marking the transition and celebrating a legacy of visionary and purposeful leadership.
Prof. Usman’s tenure as Rector was marked by transformational leadership and measurable progress. Under his stewardship, sanity and security were restored to the campus environment. Academic integrity was strengthened through the introduction of e-governance systems, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
His administration achieved a 100% successful reaccreditation of all academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and secured result and certificate systems, restoring confidence in institutional processes. He also introduced new academic programmes, established new schools, advanced infrastructural development, and consistently prioritized both student and staff welfare.
On behalf of Nigerian students and stakeholders, both at home and in the diaspora, NAPS extended warmest congratulations to him on his well-deserved appointment as Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University.
They also appreciated the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, for finding him worthy of this noble appointment, a testament to the Governor’s commitment to merit, competence, and educational advancement.
NAPS also appreciated the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for discovering and appointing such a distinguished personality as Prof. Ogbo as Rector during his tenure as Governor, thereby contributing to the transformation witnessed within the institution. They are confident that the same excellence he brought to the Polytechnic system will redefine and elevate PAAU to even greater heights.
As students, NAPS believes it is both necessary and honourable to celebrate men and women who embody character, competence, and compassion.
In their little way, they chose to appreciate a man who believes deeply in development, growth, and sustainable progress. As Chinua Achebe rightly noted, “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving.” Prof. Usman’s leadership was not symbolic; it was impactful, intentional, and transformative.
The NAPS delegation expressed appreciation for the warm recognition and gracious reception accorded to them during the ceremony.
The hospitality extended to them further reflects the humility and inclusive spirit that define Prof. Usman’s leadership. NAPS reaffirmed their unwavering support for Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, standing firm and binding, and prayed that this new chapter will usher in even greater accomplishments and enduring impact in the landscape of Nigerian education.
