NAPS Leadership Honours Outgoing Kogi Poly Rector Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman Following Appointment as PAAU Vice-Chancellor

On the 11th of February, 2026, National President of NAPS HE Comr Eshiofune Paul Oghayan [GCNP SHOPRITE] had the honour, alongside my team, to attend the historic handing-over ceremony of Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman as the outgoing Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic and his formal assumption of office as the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University [PAAU], Kogi State.

It was not merely a transition of leadership; it was the celebration of a legacy defined by vision, courage, and purposeful administration.

At this remarkable occasion, the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students [NAPS], National Headquarters, proudly presented Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman with an Award of Excellence as an Icon of Inestimable Value in Nigerian Education. This recognition was conferred in acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions to the Polytechnic system and his unwavering commitment to educational advancement.

His 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. 

The securing of result and certificate systems, alongside the prompt release of students’ results, restored confidence in institutional processes.

Notably, his administration achieved a 100% successful reaccreditation of all academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education [NBTE], a feat that speaks volumes about diligence and adherence to standards. 

He introduced new academic programmes, established new schools, advanced infrastructural development, and consistently prioritized both student and staff welfare. These achievements are not ordinary milestones; they are monuments of visionary leadership.

As students, we believe it is both necessary and honourable to celebrate men and women who embody character, competence, and compassion. In our little way, we 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.

On behalf of Nigerian Polytechnic students and stakeholders, both at home and in the diaspora, we once again extend our warmest congratulations to him on his well-deserved appointment as Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University. 

We also sincerely appreciate 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. 

By extension, we also appreciate the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for discovering and appointing such a distinguished personality Prof. Ogbo as Rector during his tenure as Governor, thereby contributing to the transformation witnessed within the institution. We are confident that the same excellence he brought to the Polytechnic system will redefine and elevate PAAU to even greater heights.

We equally appreciate the warm recognition and gracious reception accorded to the NAPS delegation during the ceremony. 

The hospitality extended to us further reflects the humility and inclusive spirit that define his leadership.

Our unwavering support for Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman remains firm, standing, and binding. 

We pray that this new chapter will usher in even greater accomplishments and enduring impact in the landscape of Nigerian education.