PAAU Vice-Chancellor Commissions New SUG Relaxation Centre; Names Facility After Prof. Marietu Tenuche

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has commissioned a newly constructed Students’ Relaxation Centre built by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the Faculty of Education. The facility is named in honour of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, attracted principal officers of the University, members of Management, staff, student leaders, and distinguished guests. The event marked the first project commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor since he assumed office.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Lawrence Achimugu, described the occasion as historic and symbolic, noting that the project represents legacy, mentorship, and purposeful leadership within the University community. He commended the Students’ Union Government for citing the project in the Faculty of Education, popularly regarded as the “mother of all Faculties.”

The SUG President, Comrade Rilwan Abubakar Obaje, explained that the relaxation centre was constructed to enhance student welfare and provide a conducive space for relaxation and academic interaction. He stated that the facility, which has a seating capacity of about 60 students, was initiated to address the shortage of relaxation spaces within the Faculty.

Comrade Obaje further noted that although he is a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the project was deliberately executed outside his Faculty to demonstrate inclusive leadership and a commitment to serving the entire student body. He added that naming the facility after Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche was in recognition of her motherly leadership, unwavering support for students, and significant contributions to the structural and institutional development of the University.

Also speaking, the Executive President of the Education Students Association of Nigeria (PAAU Chapter), Rotr. Solomon Victor Orma-Ofo, described the project as a landmark achievement. He stated that the relaxation centre would provide students with a befitting environment to relax, refresh, and strengthen academic engagement. He expressed appreciation to the SUG leadership for the initiative, describing the SUG President as a pragmatic and student-focused leader.

Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Sunday Adetunji Adegoke, expressed satisfaction with the project, attributing the achievement to transparent student union elections and effective leadership. He welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and Management team, expressing optimism that more developmental projects would be realised under the current administration.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the Students’ Union Government for its vision and commitment, stating that the SUG President had “written his name in gold” through the successful execution of the project. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, noting that undertaking the project in the Faculty of Education by a student from another Faculty reflected respect and honour for teachers and mentors.

Professor Usman also praised the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, acknowledging her impactful interventions that strengthened and beautified the University community. He described the naming of the relaxation centre after her as a well-deserved honour.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the laws and guiding principles of the University, adding that commissioning the project, his first official commissioning since assuming office, was a special privilege, particularly as it honoured a predecessor he described as a mentor and mother.

Highlights of the ceremony included the unveiling and presentation of customized student notebooks in honour of Professor Usman’s exemplary and transformative leadership, as well as the official ribbon-cutting of the modern relaxation centre, a well-designed facility structured to accommodate a significant number of students while ensuring protection from adverse weather conditions.