AGIH'S PhD DEFENCE: EPITOME OF AN UNENDING MENTORSHIP

 

Yesterday, 10th December, 2024, while I was presiding over Management meeting at the State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I received the cheering news that Agih Micah Abdul, one of our life-long mentees, had successfully defended his PhD thesis.

The news was broken to me by his supervisor.

The attainment capped the zenith of mentorship involving the trio of Professor Hassan Isah (number 1 in the picture below), then Vice-Chancellor, Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) Anyigba, Professor Marietu Tenuche (number 2), then Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and current Vice-Chancellor of the University, and my humble self (number 3), then Departmental Examination Officer and now Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

Professor Isah appointed Professor Marietu Tenuche as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Administration at different times) in the  University. She also became a Professor under the Vice-Chancellorship of Professor Isah.

Professor Tenuche is a Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies and a mother figure who has continued to inspire Agih (number 4) and my humble self.

Professor Isah, now a retired Professor of Chemical Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, recruited me into the University as an Assistant Lecturer in 2009. He also employed Agih into the fold of the academia as a Graduate Assistant in 2015.

The picture is, therefore, symbolic of chains of mentorship that began with the foundation laid by Professor Isah and nurtured by Professor Marietu Tenuche.

Today, that relationship has produced a young and vibrant progeny now addressed as Agih Micah Abdul, PhD.

It all started in 2011, when I was the 200 Level Adviser for the Department of Political Science of the University. It was that moment my path crossed with Agih Micah Abdul. 

The relationship started on a rough note; but that is a story for another day.

Not long after, the lack of commitment on the part of the then Class Rep for the 200 Level prompted me to facilitate a change in leadership, and Agih was unanimously elected as the new Class Rep by his mates. 

His election as Class Rep provided a platform for a relationship that has today, given me one of my biggest fulfillments in life.

As Class Rep, Agih exhibited traits of a team player and commitment to academic advancement. My conviction in his leadership qualities and personal relationship with people was further strengthened when the then SUG President, Yakubu Shaibu (Ebije) of the blessed memory, who was from the Department of Economics approached me and requested that I should assist as Level Adviser to ensure that Agih emerged as his successor. 

As fate would have it, Agih became the SUG President in the 2013/2014 session. As President, Agih's sense of administrative and academic commitment became more pronounced. In spite of that, he remained humble and loyal to those around him. 

This further convinced me to draw the attention of the then Vice-Chancellor on the need to engage Agih as Graduate Assistant, having graduated with Second Class (Upper Division). 

I made the case for his appointment because, as his undergraduate project supervisor, I knew what he would bring to the table by way of academic prowess, and a value addition to the Department.

 Immediately after his appointment, I encouraged him to enroll for his M.Sc programme in the Department. Agih did not disappoint as he enrolled for the programme and successfully completed in record time under my supervision. At the time he completed his M.Sc programme, I was already the Head of Department, after I had served as departmental Assistant Examination Officer and later Examination Officer.

The next charge I gave was for him to proceed for a PhD programme, but outside PAAU. As he was about enrolling for the programme at Nsukka, I received the news of my appointment as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, the same time Professor Tenuche was appointed as Vice-Chancellor, PAAU.

Within the period, I encouraged him to marry, and he did. When the opportunity came, we engaged the service of his wife in the Polytechnic.

Today, I am proud to congratulate Agih Micah Abdul for a successful defence of his PhD thesis. 

I am more than fulfilled because he has chosen Political Economy and Development Studies, the field where our mother Professor Tenuche has excelled as a Professor; the same field of my recent professorial attainment.

No doubt, Dr. Agih has stayed true to the cause. While he has continued to demonstrate loyalty and commitment beyond words, he has also proved that his intellect and resourcefulness are undoubtedly strong. 

My Dear Agih Micah Abdul, PhD, as I welcome you to the club of the revered terminal degree, my charge to you is that you should not allow the river of lifting others to dry. Hold the touch firmly and hand it on to those younger ones looking up to you today.

Today, Professor Isah the then Vice-Chancellor has retired meritoriously from active service, Professor Tenuche is a Vice-Chancellor, I am a Rector of a Polytechnic, and you just bagged your PhD, which is symbolic of epitome of mentorship that should not end.

Congratulations, and welcome aboard, my brother.

Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman 

Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja

PAAU PROMOTES 4 LECTURERS TO PROFESSORS AND 26 OTHERS TO READERS

 

The Governing Council of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, at its 65th Regular Meeting held on Friday, 23rd June, 2023, approved the promotion of four (4) academic staff members to full professors and Twenty-six (26) others to the rank of the reader. 

This elevation to the highest echelon and the last but one stratum of the academic ladder comes after a thorough internal valuation and external assessment of teaching activities, research prowess and community contribution.

Commenting on the promotion exercise, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche commended the new Professors and Associate Professors. According to the Vice Chancellor, the promotion was a testimony to their continued dedication, academic excellence, hard work, and discipline. 

The Vice-Chancellor further challenged the newly elevated scholars not to rest on their oars but to be more committed to producing insightful and impactful research works that would better the lot of Nigerians and the entire globe.

The University Community, therefore, congratulates the new Professors and Readers and challenges them to blaze the trail in higher quality service to the nation and humanity. 

The list of the elevated scholars is as follows:

PROSEFFORS

Professor Owoyemi, Julius Olugbenga          Sociology

Professor  Adediran, Samson Adewale        Accounting

Professor Egwemi, Oja Paul                            Theatre Arts

Professor Alaba, Obaje Anthony                    English and Literary Studies 

READERS

Dr. Ogwu, Chris Attah Mass Communication

Dr. Ude, Alexander Onyebuchi Accounting

Dr. Saad, Murtala Arabic, and Islamic Studies

Dr. Abubakar, N. Muhammed Human Kinetics and Health Education

Dr. Akogu, Simon Peterside Onuche Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Ekpa, Shedrack Jurisprudence and International Law

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Kabiru Agric Econs and Extension

Dr. Atanu, Francis Atanu Biochemistry

Dr. Usman, Salisu Ogbo Political Science

Dr. Ujah, John Sule Public Administration

Dr. Achimugwu, Lawrence Science Education (Chemistry)

Dr. Gommet, I. Thomas Sociology

Dr. Anum, Victoria Mass communication

Dr. Ujah, Ofunu Mariam Commercial and Industrial Law

Dr. Adejoh, Patrick Agric Econs and extension

Dr. Owolabi, Joseph Ayodele Physics

Dr. Tanko, U. Musa Crop Production

Dr. Ochala, Isaiah Physics

Dr. Kabo, Sarinus Ettor Public Law

Dr. Sani, Idris Ahmed Economics

Dr. (Mrs) Onimisi, Meriyamoh Mero Fishery and Aquaculture

Dr. Sale, John Friday Pure and Industrial Chemistry

Dr. Okpe, Ameh Alfa Animal Production

Dr. Achimugu, Hassan Public Administration

Dr. Okpanachi, Anthony Idoko Philosophy

Dr. Adah, Obe Christopher Agric Econs and Extension.

PAAU confirms promotion of Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, 25 others to rank of Associate Professor

 

... Four others bag Professor rank

The Governing Council of the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, PAAU has approved the promotion of 26 academic staff to the rank of associate professor at the 64 senate regular meeting held on 21 – 23rd June, 2023.

The Council also approved the promotion of 4 academic staff to the rank of professor. They are;  Dr. Owoyemi, Julius Olugbenga of the Department Of Sociology,  Dr. Adediran, Samson Adewale of the Department Of Accounting, Dr. Egwemi, Oja Paul of the Department Of Theater Arts, and Dr. Alaba, Obaje Anthony of Department of English and Literary Studies.

The breakdown of the 26 academic staff promoted to the rank of associate professor cut across several disciplines which include 2 staff in Mass Communication; Accounting; 1, Arabic and Islamic Studies;1, Human Kinetics and Health Education; 1, Obstetrics and Gynecology;1, Jurisprudence and International Law; 1, Agric Econs and Extension;3, Biochemistry;1, Political Science;1, Public Administration; 2, Science Education (Chemistry); 1,  Sociology; 1, Commercial and Industrial Law;1, Physics;2, Crop Production;1, Public Law;1, Economics;1, Fishery and Aquaculture;1 Pure and Industrial Chemistry;1, Animal Production;1, and 1 Philosophy.

The names are; Dr Salisu Usman Ogbo,  Dr. Ogwu, Chris Attah,  Dr. Ude Alexander Onyebuchi, Dr. Abubakar, N. Muhammed, Dr. Saad, Murtala, Dr. Akogu, Simon Peterside Onuche,  Dr. Ekpa, Shedrack, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Kabiru, Dr. Atanu, Francis Atanu, Dr. Ujah, John Sule, Dr. Achimugwu, Lawrence, Dr. Gommet, I. Thomas, Dr. Anum, Victoria, Dr. Ujah, Ofunu Mariam, Dr. Adejoh, Patrick, Dr. Owolabi, Joseph Ayodele, Dr. Tanko, U. Musa,  Dr. Ochala, Isaiah, Dr. Kabo, Sarinus Ettor Dr. Sani, ldris Ahmed, Dr. (Mrs) Onimisi, Meriyamoh Mero,  Dr. Sale, John Friday,  Dr. Okpe, Ameh Alfa, Dr. Achimugu, Hassan, Dr. Okpanachi Anthony ldoko and Dr. Adah Obe Christopher.

In a statement made available, the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Marietu Tenuche was quoted to have said, the Staff promotion was a testimony to their continued dedication, academic excellence, hard work, and discipline. Adding that, the state university governing council is determined to ensure that every staff gets promoted as and when due.

The vice chancellor congratulated the staff who have been promoted by Council at its 65 Regular meetings. Noting that, it's a demonstration of hard work, diligence and determination on their part. 

PAAU wallops UniAbuja 5-1 to pick NUGA 2022 football ticket

The Prince Abubakar University football team has qualified for the finals of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) scheduled for University of Lagos in March this year.

The team came from behind to trash their UNIABUJA counterpart 5-1 to pick the Zone H ticket for the football event.

The team had earlier defeated their FUTMINNA and IBBU Lapai counterparts 1-0 and 2-0 respectively before taking on UNIABUJA.

UNIABUJA on the other hands, had played 1-1 draw with IBBU Lapai and defeated FUTMINNA 2-1to set a stage for a must-win final game with PAAU.

The match was watched by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Dr Daniel F. Atidoga, the Bursar, Mrs Aminat Anuhi, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, senior members of staff of the University, students and others too numerous to mention.

Apart from football, PAAU also qualified to compete for honours in Volleyball (female), 400 meters, 800 meters 1500 meters race, long jump and badminton events.

First-class Graduates: PAAU has not offered our best any cash reward – VC

 

The attention of the Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, has been drawn to an online media report alleging that the University gave N2000 and N5000 as reward to her first class and overall best graduating students’ respectively, at the 6th combined convocation ceremony of the institution.

Ordinarily, the University would have kept silent and allow the mischief makers live with the figment of their imagination since it is not a true reflection of what transpired.

However, for the discerning mind who would be misled by such misinformation, it has become necessary to correct the misleading impression by setting the records straight. The PAAU had at no time, and did not after the 6th convocation, offer such reward to her best graduating and overall students who made first class after painstaking and rigorous efforts to distinguish themselves.

For the records, it has been the tradition of the PAAU to offer automatic employment to her best graduating and overall best students with the option of refusal.

The best and overall graduating students who made first class at the 6th convocation ceremony held at the weekend of 29th January, 2022, could therefore not have been treated any less.

It may interest those behind the misleading information to note, that while the University is yet to make a pronouncement on the reward for the best graduating and first class students, we are not unmindful of the fact that some individual lecturers in some Faculties and Departments of the students who excelled, with particular reference to the Faculty of Agriculture, made personal efforts to appreciate their best graduating students.

This should not be misconstrued to be the reward from the University administration, as a corporate entity.

It is unfortunate that personal cash donations by some Departments and individual lecturers to their students to reward hardwork and excellence through the University has been mischievously misunderstood.

It is the tradition of PAAU for donations by individuals to best graduating Students’ be paid into the University’s Prizes Account, while the University thereafter issue cheques to the deserving recipients, an action that has been misconstrued.

The reward to the students that is being misunderstood is only symbolic and a recognition by the individual lecturers as a way of appreciating their best students. This is a development considered a very rare privilege by lecturers and some individuals which ought to be commended. Sadly, it has been misread as the reward coming from the University.

Beginning from the inception of PAAU,
our best graduating students have always enjoyed the option of automatic employment. The records and beneficiaries of such gestures can attest to that magnanimity.

We therefore use this medium to urge the members of the public to disregard the misleading report in circulation.

The university will at the appropriate time, announce its rewards to our deserving graduates.

Signed.
Prof. Marietu Tenuche
Vice Chancellor
PAAU
Anyingba, Kogi State.

Renaming KSU to PAAU, Late Prince Abubakar Audu Family Appreciates Gov. Bello

 

The family of Late Prince Abubakar Audu, has expressed profund appreciation to Gov. Yahaya Bello for renaming the State University after their late brother.

In a family statement signed by Prince Yahaya Audu Ohidi, 

For and on behalf of the Audu’s Family, the

APC Chieftain in Kogi State said on behalf of himself and the entire Audu family, thanked Gov. Bello immensely for being bold and considerate in renaming the Kogi State University, Anyingba to Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, said

Posterity will indeed reward him. 

The family in the statement congràtulated Gov. Bello on his 6-year anniversary as Governor of the State and for his remarkable second term in Office.

The statement described Gov. Bello as one who has always believed that cooperation among the 36 states of Nigeria should be based on the values and principles of peace, unity, democracy, and mutual respect, appreciated him for equally and practically demonstrating these values and principles in Kogi State in the last 6 years of his administration. 

The statement also commended him for serving the people of Kogi; not only as a governor, but also as a national leader who has earned widespread support of the Nigerian people.

The family described him as truly a man of character and integrity, a national symbol of unity and progress, wish him continued good health, victory, longevity of life, ever-increasing knowledge as a leader, as well as wisdom and the collaboration of the Nigerian people for your next assignment. 

While he expressed his assurances of his highest respect and considerations to Gov. Bello, Prince Yahaya Audu wished him well in his future political endeavors.