By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, has been conferred with an Hounorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration by Prince Abubarkar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, in recongnition of his contributions to public service and good governance.
The honour was bestowed recently during the university’s 7th Combined Convocation and 25th Anniversary Celebration held at the university’s campus.The occasion also marks the governor’s first convocation appearance as visitor to the university since his assumption of office as Kogi State Governor.
Governor Ododo dedicated the award to all his predecessors who have in one way or another contributed to the development of the institution and to the good people of Kogi State for their support for his administration.
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He equally said the award would spur him to continue to drive the institution to greater heights.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo described the occasion as historic and a moment of reflection, celebration, renewal of purpose, and recommitment to the ideals that make education the strongest pillar of human progress.
According to the governor, convocation ceremonies of this nature, serve as a reminder that “nations are not built merely by roads, bridges, and buildings, but by minds, minds that are trained, enlightened, disciplined, and inspired”
He further emphasised that the true wealth of any society was not in what it owns, but in what it knows, what it creates, and what it becomes.
“Let me begin by paying glowing tribute to the visionary founder of this institution, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, our leader, our mentor, a man of uncommon foresight, courage, and conviction. He believed deeply in the power of education to lift societies, empower generations, and break the chains of limitation. When he established this University, he created a living legacy. He created a platform where dreams would find direction, where talents would find expression, and where ambition would meet opportunity.
“Today, as thousands of young men and women pass through these halls of learning, his vision continues to speak, silently but powerfully. Prince Abubakar Audu may have departed this world, but his dream remains alive in every lecture hall, every laboratory, every library, and in the aspirations of every student who dares to believe in a better tomorrow. For this, we remain eternally grateful.
“Over the years, Prince Abubakar Audu University has grown not just in size, but in stature. It has evolved in character, in confidence, and in credibility. I have watched with pride as this institution steadily redefined itself, through improved infrastructure, a more stable academic calendar, expansion of academic programmes, strengthening of research culture, and a deliberate focus on quality teaching and learning.
“Today, this University stands taller, stronger, and more respected within the Nigerian academic space. It is increasingly becoming a destination for knowledge, innovation, and intellectual excellence. This progress is not accidental. It is the result of vision, sacrifice, discipline, and leadership. It is the outcome of men and women who chose to build rather than complain, to innovate rather than stagnate, and to persist rather than retreat”. Governor Ododo stated.
Governor Ododo said he was particularly elated that history was being made during his time as Visitor to the institution stressing that after twelve long years of stagnation, the MBBS programme has been fully reactivated and accredited. This moment he pointed out is about hope, about national relevance, about institutional maturity, and about strategic foresight.
He further pointed out that his administration understood that true excellence must be backed by action and as such, it has provided the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and human capital required to produce world-class medical professionals.
The University he added, would now begin to produce the doctors and medical personnel the state urgently needs for it’s existing and emerging health institutions.
“This is a defining chapter in the story of this institution. Future generations will look back and say: This was the era when Prince Abubakar Audu University truly came of age. We also recognise that access to education must go beyond admission letters. True access is incomplete without support. That is why we have sustained bursary schemes and other student-focused interventions, ensuring that financial constraints do not stop bright destinies. No student should be forced to abandon their dreams because of circumstances beyond their control.
“Education must be inclusive, equitable, and empowering, and we remain committed to that vision. We have also taken deliberate steps to improve the physical environment of this University, including the internal road networks and surrounding infrastructure. A university should not merely be a place of lectures and examinations; it must be a community of ideas, a home of inspiration, and a sanctuary for creativity.
Governor Ododo used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms which he said have in many ways contributed immensely to the achievememts recorded so far and for strengthening TETFUND to provide infrastructural and academic support to the state’s tertiary institutions.
“I must specially appreciate the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for its immense and visible impact on this University. From lecture halls to laboratories, from staff development to research support, TETFUND has been a dependable partner. Prince Abubakar Audu University stands today as a shining example of what is possible when government and TETFUND work hand in hand.
“To our graduands, today you wear smiles, gowns, and caps. But more importantly, you carry knowledge, discipline, resilience, and responsibility. You are leaving this institution not just with certificates, but with a duty to make a difference.
“You are now ambassadors of Prince Abubakar Audu University. You are ambassadors of Kogi State. Wherever life takes you, let excellence introduce you before your name is mentioned. Let integrity define you. Let courage guide you. Let compassion humanise you. And let your success never make you forget where you started.
“I commend the Vice-Chancellor, the management, the academic and non-academic staff, and the entire university community for their commitment to excellence. You have built not just an institution, but a legacy”. Governor Ododo said.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the institution, Prof. Ibrahim Aguye, had desclosed that the institution has recorded sustained progress, including 100 percent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years.
Prof. Aguye also revealed that new programmed have been introduced, faculties unbundled and, a more conducive teaching and learning environment created particularly through improved campus security.
He commended the state Governor Ododo for reviving the MBBS programme and for his consistent support to the institution.
In her address, the Vic- Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Mariam Tenuche, desclosed that a total of 26, 160 first degree graduates were produced across the five academic sessions covered by the convocation, alongside 1, 139 postgraduate graduates including PhD, Masters and PGD holders.
According to her, the numbers of degrees awarding programmes have increased from 46 to 64 under her administration representing 40 percent growth.
She further acknowledge the support of the TETFund , security agencies, hosts communities and the Kogi State Government, describing their contributions as critical to the growth witnessed by the institution.
As part of activities marking the Convocation, the Governor also inspected and commissioned several projects on the campus, including Patrick Adaba Road, named after the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
