By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has been honoured with an Excellence Award by the Faculty of Management Sciences of Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba.
According to the organizers, the honour was in recognition of his his significant role in enhancing infrastructure and dedicated support as a cherished friend of the Faculty.
The Award was presented to the Rector, during the Maiden Faculty Week of the Faculty, at the University.
Professor Usman, who was also the guest speaker at the Maiden Faculty Week dissected the topic: “Future-Proofing Management Education: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
While delivering his speech, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman noted that the initiative was an indication of the faculty’s readiness under the leadership of Professor Johnson Juwon Orogun to find a means of revitalizing the Faculty without necessarily depending on the dwindling meager resources from the University Management.
Professor Usman, therefore, commended Professor Orogun and his team for their historic efforts.
He also appreciated the University Management, led by Professor Marietu Tenuche, for granting approval and supporting the initiative, while charging the Faculty Management to uphold the Faculty Week as a tradition for other faculties to emulate.
Professor Usman stated that the topic of the Faculty Week resonates with the growing demand for functional education, owing to the fact that the 21st century is characterized as a century of technological revolution.
In his words, “as we navigate the intricacies of the century, therefore, it has become unequivocally clear that management education must transform, not just in terms of technology, but in all ramification, to remain effective.
“This calls for the re-engineering of management education in a way that fosters innovative thinking for adaptability and resilience.”
Professor Usman recommended, amongst others, the need to embrace innovation that involves integrating emerging technologies and pedagogies to stay ahead of the curve, whilst fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government to bridge the skills gap and ensure relevance.
He stated further that developing agile leaders will equip staff members with adaptable skills, ethical awareness, and a global perspective to navigate complex academic landscapes.
The Rector in a special one appreciated the former Minister of state for Labour and Productivity, Professor Stephen Ikani Ocheni whose presence made the occasion colourful especially with the donation of the ICT centre which was commissioned by the Ogohi – Onu Anyigba, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo.
Earlier, the Dean, Professor J.J. Orogun, appreciated the Management of the institution for their support and encouragement, as well as for providing the enabling environment for the Faculty to honour those who have dedicated themselves to contributing to the growth and development of the Faculty.
He reassured the Vice Chancellor and the Management of the institution of the Faculty’s readiness to champion creativity and resourcefulness so as tog further place the institution on a higher pedestal.
The Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Marietu Tenuche, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Daniel Atidoga, underscored the University’s commitment to excellence and provide platform to honour those who have made remarkable contributions to academic and infrastructural advancement.
He used the opportunity to admonish members of staff of the Faculty of Management Studies to continue to accord the Dean the needed support to succeed, whilst appealing to Faculty alumni to continue giving back to the institution.
Other award recipients included Rt. Hon. James Faleke, member, House of Representatives, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Halims, Deputy Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Hajia Habitat Tijani Olumoko, Accountant General, Kogi State, Hon Wemi Jones, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Kogi State, among several others who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Faculty and the institution at large.
Highlights of the ceremony was the official commissioning of the ICT centre, donated by Professor Stephen Ocheni, the car park and walkway, donated by the Faculty alumnus.