PAAU VC Bans Sign-Out, Introduces E-Learning, Adopts Annual Convocation, Results Digitised

PAAU VC Prohibits Sign-Out Festivities, Unveils Broad Academic and Welfare Reforms

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at strengthening academic discipline, enhancing student welfare, and advancing institutional development.

The announcement was made during an interactive engagement with students held on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The forum brought together student leaders, representatives, and members of the University Management in a deliberate effort to deepen collaboration, encourage transparency, and address pressing concerns within the University community.

In his address, Professor Usman reiterated his administration’s resolve to uphold academic excellence while improving welfare structures across campus. He acknowledged the contributions of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for stabilizing the University’s academic calendar, and appreciated the continued support of the incumbent Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo. He assured stakeholders that the confidence reposed in his leadership would be justified through measurable progress.

Reflecting on his longstanding association with the University, the Vice-Chancellor described PAAU as an institution deeply connected to his academic and professional growth, having begun his career there and served previously in key administrative roles.

He called on students to sustain peace and unity on campus, warning against divisive tendencies rooted in ethnic or sectional affiliations. Stressing the importance of mutual respect and collective responsibility, he maintained that a stable academic environment depends largely on cooperation between students and management.

Professor Usman also cautioned against social vices such as cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, indecent dressing, cybercrime, and other misconduct capable of tarnishing the University’s image. According to him, discipline and focus remain indispensable ingredients for academic and personal success.

A major highlight of the session was the formal announcement of a total ban on the traditional “sign-out” celebration, both within and outside the University premises. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the decision was taken to curb excesses and safeguard lives and property. However, he clarified that the Final Year Brethren (FYB) Week would continue under clearly defined institutional guidelines.

Further reforms announced include the adoption of annual convocation ceremonies aligned with the academic calendar and the digitization of examination result dissemination. Results will now be uploaded to the University portal and electronically transmitted to parents’ registered email addresses, eliminating the practice of physical postings on notice boards.

Additionally, General Studies (GST) examinations will precede departmental examinations to create a more structured assessment system. Students were also reminded that payment of school fees remains mandatory for sessional registration.

Addressing infrastructural concerns, Professor Usman declared a “state of emergency” on water supply challenges in hostels, assuring that faulty boreholes would be rehabilitated promptly. He also revealed plans to remodel Dangana Hostel into a modern facility before year’s end.

To strengthen digital learning and administrative efficiency, the University will establish a Directorate of E-Learning to expand ICT-driven education. Solar-powered installations will be deployed across faculties to support administrative operations, alongside solar lighting systems in classrooms. The construction of additional public toilet facilities was also announced to improve campus sanitation.

Earlier, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Rilwan Abubakar Obaje, commended the Vice-Chancellor for the interactive initiative. He highlighted achievements of his administration, including transportation fare subsidies, strengthened tutorial coordination through an academic committee, the hosting of the maiden PAAU Beauty Pageantry, and infrastructural projects within the Faculties of Education and Natural Sciences.

Similarly, the President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Comrade Gabriel Samuel Onouroyiza, outlined key initiatives such as organizing the Institution’s first Security Summit, distributing student palliatives, and promoting unity across ethnic divides.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor described the SUG leadership as proactive and pragmatic, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustained student engagement.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, enabling students to raise concerns and receive clarifications directly from the University leadership. A symbolic presentation of framed photographs to the Vice-Chancellor by student representatives marked one of the memorable highlights of the event.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian, and the Dean of Student Affairs, among others.