PAAU Vice Chancellor Assures Students of Improved Welfare, Infrastructure

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured students of improved welfare and renewed efforts to address infrastructural challenges across the institution.

He gave the assurance on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive and Hostel Governors, led by SUG President Ridwan Abubakar.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the Vice-Chancellor commended student leaders for their maturity, discipline, and perseverance in handling campus issues.

Prof. Usman disclosed that the university has about 13 boreholes, but only one was functional at the time he assumed office, describing the situation as a major infrastructural challenge.

He said the management had already taken steps to address the problem, including drilling a new borehole, rehabilitating five non-functional ones, and repairing water tankers to improve water supply across hostels.

He urged students to use available facilities responsibly and reaffirmed the management’s policy of non-interference in the internal administration of student bodies.

The Vice-Chancellor also called for unity among students and encouraged them to support both the university management and the state government in efforts to improve campus conditions.

He further advised students to remain security conscious and avoid involvement in social vices and criminal activities.

Prof. Usman reiterated the ban on final-year celebrations within the university community, stressing the need to maintain order and discipline.

In a gesture of support, he announced that Hostel Governors would no longer be required to pay for accommodation and directed that refunds be made to those who had already paid.

Earlier, the SUG President appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for the engagement and said the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight pressing hostel challenges, particularly issues of sanitation and blocked toilet systems.

He suggested the provision of designated waste disposal pits to address recurring sanitation problems in the hostels.

In separate remarks, the Hostel Governors thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity and pledged their continued cooperation with management to improve living conditions on campus.

The meeting was attended by the Bursar, Mr. Ahmed Hudu Abdulsalami; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Adetunji Sunday Adegoke; and the Director of Works, Engineer Shaibu Abutu Ukwenya.