PAAU Management Rebuts Tribalism Allegations, Sets Record Straight on Recent Appointments

The Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has formally responded to allegations of ethnic favouritism circulating on social media, describing the claims as "frivolous, divisive, and baseless."

In a detailed statement released to clarify the administrative actions of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the university management emphasised that recent appointments were guided by merit, institutional necessity, and a commitment to a "problem-solving" leadership style.

The University highlighted that within his first month in office, Professor Usman successfully resolved a seven-year administrative crisis involving staff employed since 2018 who had never been payrolled. Following coordination with the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, these staff members began receiving salaries in March 2026. The management cited this as evidence of a leadership focused on fairness and the collective welfare of the university community.

To counter the narrative of sectionalism, the University released a comprehensive breakdown of the 12 key appointments made under the current administration, demonstrating a balanced distribution across Kogi State’s senatorial districts:

Kogi East: Appointees include Prof. Ken Enejo (Director, CPDS), Prof. Patrick Adejoh Ataja (Director, Academic Planning), Dr. Samuel Sheneni Shekpe (Chairman, e-examination), Mrs. Uredo Omale (PRO), Mr. Emmanuel Onuh (CSO), and Dr. Agih Abdul (Deputy Dean, Student Affairs).

Kogi Central: Appointees include Prof. Sanni Momoh (Dean, Postgraduate Studies), Mr. Rock Adeiza (Director, ITRC), Mr. Abdulmalik Adinoyi (Transport Officer), Dr. Kizitto Eneye (Director, Central Laboratory), and Mr. Segun Suleiman (Deputy Director, CPDS).

Kogi West: Mr. Power Babaniyi was appointed as the pioneer Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.

The statement further defended Professor Usman’s track record, pointing to his previous tenure as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, where he was celebrated for a "detribalised and reform-oriented" administration. Management noted that the voluntary transfer of various staff members from the Polytechnic to PAAU is a testament to the professional confidence he inspires across ethnic boundaries.

The University urged the public to disregard "selective interpretations" of administrative decisions designed to incite unnecessary tension. It reaffirmed Professor Usman’s commitment to meritocracy and the continued growth of the institution.