PAAU Appointments Controversy: Management Counters Allegations of Ethnic Bias Against Vice-Chancellor

Anyigba, Kogi State – A fresh debate has emerged over recent administrative appointments at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, following allegations of ethnic imbalance raised in an open letter addressed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman.

The controversy began after a public commentary by Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, popularly known as “The White Orator,” accused the new university leadership of alleged ethnic favoritism in key administrative appointments barely weeks after Professor Ogbo assumed office as Vice-Chancellor.

In the open letter, addressed to Governor Ododo and the Vice-Chancellor, Onimisi warned that recent changes in some strategic offices within the university were being interpreted by sections of the university community as skewed in favour of one ethnic group.

He argued that PAAU, as a major state institution, has historically served as a meeting point for different ethnic groups across Kogi State, including Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa and others, and should therefore reflect inclusiveness in its administrative structure.

According to him, some recent changes in positions such as directors of certain units, student affairs leadership, and administrative offices had raised concerns among observers who believe the pattern of appointments may undermine the ethnic balance within the university.

The commentary further urged the governor to take note of the development to ensure that the institution remains a symbol of unity and fairness for all ethnic nationalities in the state.

Onimisi maintained that universities must operate on the principles of merit, competence and institutional balance, warning that any perception of ethnic dominance could damage trust within the academic community.

University Management Responds

However, the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has dismissed the allegations, describing them as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the university system.

In a statement issued by the institution, the management said the claims circulating on social media were “baseless, divisive and inaccurate,” stressing that the Vice-Chancellor’s decisions since assuming office have been guided by institutional needs rather than ethnic considerations.

The university stated that Professor Ogbo’s administration is primarily focused on addressing long-standing administrative and welfare issues affecting staff and students.

Management cited the recent resolution of a payroll challenge involving staff members employed since 2018 who had reportedly remained off the university payroll for several years. According to the statement, the intervention—achieved with the approval of Governor Ododo—has enabled the affected staff to begin receiving their salaries from March 2026.

The statement described the development as evidence of the Vice-Chancellor’s focus on staff welfare and institutional stability.

Breakdown of Appointments

To clarify the situation, the university released details of 12 key appointments made since Professor Ogbo assumed office, insisting that they reflect a mix of individuals from different parts of Kogi State.

Among the appointments highlighted were:

• Professor Sanni Momoh from Okene (Kogi Central) as Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
• Mr. Rock Adeiza Ezekiel Adeiza from Okehi (Kogi Central) as Director of the Information Technology and Research Centre.
• Mr. Abdulmalik Adinoyi from Okene (Kogi Central) as Pioneer Transport Officer.
• Dr. Kizitto Eneye from Okehi (Kogi Central) as Director of the Central Laboratory.
• Professor Patrick Adejoh Ataja from Dekina (Kogi East) as Director of Academic Planning and Development.
• Professor Ken Enejo from Ibaji (Kogi East) as Director of the Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies.
• Mr. Segun Suleiman from Ajaokuta (Kogi Central) as Deputy Director of CPDS.
• Dr. Samuel Sheneni Shekpe from Bassa (Kogi East) as Chairman of the e-Examination Committee.
• Mrs. Uredo Omale from Ankpa (Kogi East) as Public Relations Officer.
• Mr. Emmanuel Onuh from Olamaboro (Kogi East) as Chief Security Officer.
• Dr. Agih Abdul from Ankpa (Kogi East) as Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.
• Mr. Power Babaniyi from Yagba East (Kogi West) as Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.

The university emphasized that these appointments reflect a cross-section of the state’s ethnic and regional composition.

Management also clarified that any other movements within departments were routine internal postings carried out by heads of units rather than direct appointments by the Vice-Chancellor.

Call for Restraint

While rejecting the allegations, the university management urged commentators and stakeholders to avoid interpretations that could fuel ethnic tensions within the academic community.

The statement stressed that Professor Ogbo remains committed to running an administration built on merit, institutional balance and the collective progress of the university.

Observers say the exchange highlights the sensitivity surrounding ethnic representation in public institutions within Kogi State. However, they also note that both sides appear to agree on the importance of maintaining inclusiveness and unity within the state’s premier university.