PAAU Vice-Chancellor Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris, Pays Tribute to Former University Visitor
Prince Abubakar Audu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has commiserated with Kogi State and the family of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, recalling his years as Visitor to the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has expressed condolences to the Government and people of Kogi State and the family of the late former Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his death as a painful loss to the state and the country.
Prof. Usman conveyed the university community’s condolence on behalf of the institution’s Governing Council, Management, staff and students following the death of the former governor, who passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77.
In a statement, the Vice-Chancellor described the late Ibrahim Idris as a distinguished elder and statesman who dedicated a significant part of his life to public service and the development of Kogi State.
He noted that the late former governor occupied a particularly important place in the history of the university, having served as Visitor to the then Kogi State University, Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University, between 2003 and 2011.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the period coincided with an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State, making the former governor’s connection with the institution part of its institutional heritage.
Prof. Usman said Ibrahim Idris contributed his experience, leadership and public service to the advancement of the people during his years in office, adding that his death would be felt beyond his immediate family.
“His passing is, therefore, a loss not only to his immediate family but also to Kogi State and Nigeria at large,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The PAAU Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the inevitability of death and said the university community found solace in the life of service lived by the former governor and the memories he left behind.
He further extended the university’s sympathy to the late governor’s family, friends, associates and the people of Kogi State, praying that they would be granted the strength to cope with the loss.
Prof. Usman also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
The late Ibrahim Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 and remained an influential figure in the state’s political history after leaving office.
His death has continued to attract condolences from political leaders, public institutions, associations and individuals across Kogi State and beyond.