PAAU New VC, Declares Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline, Reaffirms Commitment to Academic Standards

PAAU New VC, Declares Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline, Reaffirms Commitment to Academic Standards

A new administrative phase commenced at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, formally engaged members of the university community at his inaugural Congregation meeting.

The event, held on Monday, 16 February 2026, at the University Auditorium, provided a strategic platform for interaction between the new leadership and staff. Beyond a routine gathering, the Congregation served as an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to communicate the philosophical direction and reform priorities of his administration.

Describing his assumption of office as both symbolic and personal, Professor Usman referred to his return to the institution where his academic career began as a meaningful “homecoming.” He acknowledged the weight of expectations accompanying his appointment and pledged to respond with integrity, inclusive leadership, and shared institutional responsibility.

In outlining his agenda, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of elevating academic standards while reinforcing discipline across all operational levels of the university. He urged staff to embrace internationally recognized best practices, noting that sustainable progress depends on professionalism, ethical conduct, and a collective commitment to institutional goals rather than sectional interests.

Addressing workplace culture, he cautioned against behaviors capable of undermining institutional harmony, including rumor circulation, absenteeism, and unethical practices. According to him, quality assurance can only thrive within an environment grounded in accountability and transparency.

Professor Usman further announced that his administration would operate an open-door system to encourage consultation, constructive dialogue, and collaborative decision-making. He emphasized that effective governance requires input from across the university community.

Recognizing the human dimension of institutional development, he called for stronger internal cooperation to enhance staff welfare and improve the overall student experience. He particularly underscored mentorship as a strategic instrument for cultivating professionalism, mutual respect, and generational continuity within academia.

On policy direction, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted research advancement, innovation, and strengthened quality control mechanisms as central pillars of his leadership. He reiterated that modern universities must function not merely as teaching centers but as engines for societal solutions.

Professor Usman also drew attention to structural gaps requiring urgent attention. He noted that the university’s Strategic Plan has remained inactive since 2020, underscoring the need for a renewed roadmap to guide institutional growth. Similarly, he observed that the Scheme and Conditions of Service, last reviewed in 2008, would undergo reassessment to reflect contemporary realities.

As part of efforts to boost academic visibility and global relevance, he disclosed plans to revitalize inaugural lectures and reinforce standards across both academic and administrative frameworks.

While pledging fairness, justice, and equity in leadership, the Vice-Chancellor appealed for patience, emphasizing that enduring transformation is achieved through deliberate institution-building rather than quick fixes. He assured staff that foundational reforms would be systematically implemented to position the university for long-term stability and pride.

In response, members of staff expressed their readiness to cooperate with the new administration and affirmed their shared responsibility in advancing the university’s objectives.

The Congregation concluded on a note of optimism, with renewed emphasis on unity, accountability, and sustained academic excellence within the institution.