By Joseph Amedu
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has denied allegations of tribalism against its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, made by a social media user, Farouk Ozigi Onimisi.
The university released a statement highlighting the VC’s achievements, including resolving a seven-year payroll issue for staff and prioritising staff and student welfare.
The statement listed 12 appointments made by the VC, showcasing diversity across Kogi State’s LGAs: “First, within a short period of assuming office, Professor Usman confronted one of the most painful administrative issues affecting the university the case of staff employed since 2018 who had not been captured on the university payroll for nearly seven years.”
The statement added that approval was obtained from the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and these staff members have now been placed on the payroll and started receiving their salaries effective March 2026.
It was also noted that, as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, the present VC was widely recognised for running an inclusive, detribalised, and reform-oriented administration; at the end of his tenure, he left the polytechnic to one of the loudest ovations in the institution’s history.
As a clear indication of the confidence many professionals have in his leadership style, a considerable number of staff drawn from across ethnic boundaries voluntarily transferred their services from the polytechnic to follow him to the university.
Apart from the achievements highlighted, Prof. Usman made the following appointments across board:
Professor Sanni Momoh (Okene LGA, Kogi Central), a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, took over from Professor William Onogu (Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi East) as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies.
Mr. Rock Adeiza Ezekiel Adeiza (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed Director, ITRC. He took over from Mr. Sunday Salihu (Adavi LGA, Kogi Central).
Mr. Abdulmalik Adinoyi (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed as pioneer Transport Officer, a unit carved out from Works Department to ensure efficiency in transport operations.
Dr. Kizitto Eneye (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed Director, Central Laboratory. Professor Patrick Adejoh Ataja (Dekina, Kogi East) took over as Director of Academic Planning from Professor Ajayi.
Professor Ken Enejo (Ibaji, Kogi East) was elevated as Director, Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies (CPDS). – Mr. Segun Suleiman (Adavi-Okuta LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed Deputy Director, CPDS.
Dr. Samuel Sheneni Shekpe (Bassa, Kogi East) was appointed Chairman, e-examination.
Mrs. Uredo Omale (Ankpa LGA, Kogi East) replaced Father Damian Damian (Ankpa LGA) as Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Mr. Emmanuel Onuh (Olamaboro LGA, Kogi East) filled the vacancy left by Mr. Aurelius Adejoh (Olamaboro LGA) as Chief Security Officer.
Dr. Agih Abdul (Ankpa, Kogi East), a former Student Union Government President, took over from Mrs. Rashidat Owuda (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) as Deputy Dean, Student Affairs.
– Mr. Power Babaniyi (Yagba East, Kogi West) was appointed as pioneer Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University therefore urges rumour-mongers and purveyors of bad faith to avoid cherry-picking isolated developments while ignoring the broader institutional context.
Selective interpretations of administrative decisions risk creating unnecessary ethnic tensions within an academic community that has historically thrived on diversity and cooperation.
The university emphasised that these appointments demonstrate the VC’s commitment to merit and institutional balance, and it urged critics to avoid spreading misinformation.