PAAU Celebrates Prof. Marietu Tenuche as She Bows Out

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, stands in collective tribute as the tenure of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, comes to a historic conclusion. Her leadership is being hailed as a period of "holistic and people-centred transformation," leaving the institution significantly more secure, academically vibrant, and globally visible.

Professor Tenuche’s administration achieved what many considered impossible: 100% accreditation of all academic programmes. Her tenure saw the historic reactivation of the long-suspended MBBS programme after 13 years, bolstered by professional nods from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Council of Legal Education.

The intellectual output of the university surged under her watch, recording more Inaugural Lectures than all previous administrations combined. This culture of excellence trickled down to the students, with PAAU Law graduates recently securing five First-Class honours at the Nigerian Law School.

At the heart of the "Tenuche Era" was a massive investment in staff development. Key highlights include:

Academic Progression: Over 160 staff members obtained their PhDs through TETFund and university sponsorships.

Promotions: More than 60 lecturers were elevated to the rank of Professor, with all staff promotions handled with unprecedented regularity.

Global Grants: PAAU scholars secured multi-million dollar grants, including EU-funded malaria research and FAO/UN global health prizes, placing PAAU on the international research map.

The campus landscape was reshaped by the completion of the iconic Senate Building, new road networks, and modern hostels. Furthermore, Professor Tenuche positioned PAAU as a sporting destination by developing the only FIFA-standard pitch in Kogi State, which has hosted Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) matches.

Her impact extended far beyond the ivory tower, earning her numerous chieftaincy titles, including the Iye-Achenyo Ogoyi-Onu Anyigba and Onyi-Oyiye of Ihima Land. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) and NAKOSS also inducted her into their Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a transformational leader.

As she bows out, Professor Tenuche leaves behind a university that is no longer just a regional player but a "University of First Choice" defined by integrity, inclusion, and global ambition.