Prof. Ogbo urges institutions to embrace innovations, integrate emerging technologies

**Rceives Faculty Excellence Award

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has charged institutions in the country to embrace innovations that integrate emerging technologies and pedagogies to bridge the skills gap and ensure relevance.

Prof. Ogbo Usman made the call while speaking as Guest Speaker at the maiden Faculty Week of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba

He reiterated the need to blend innovations with emerging technologies and pedagogies to stay ahead of the curve in fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government in the bid to bridge skills gaps.

The Rector stated further that developing agile leaders would entail equipping staff members with adaptable skills, ethical awareness, and a global perspective to navigate complex academic landscapes.

The Professor of Political Science noted that the topic of the Faculty Week resonated with the growing demand for functional education, owing to the fact that the 21st century is characterized as a century of technological revolution.

“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”, he said.

Prof. Ogbo Usman described the initiative of the Faculty Week as an indication of the faculty’s readiness under the leadership of Prof. Johnson Juwon Orogun as Dean of the Faculty, to be less dependent on resources of the institution.

He said it was a means of “revitalizing the Faculty without necessarily depending on the dwindling meagre resources from the University Management” and commended Prof. Orogun and his team for their “historic efforts.”

The Rector commended the Vice Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, for the approval and support for the initiative and charged the Faculty Management to uphold the Faculty Week as a tradition for other faculties to emulate.

The Faculty of Management Sciences of the University seized the opportunity to honour Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman with an Excellence Award.

The award which was apparently in recognition of Prof. Ogbo Usman’s long standing affiliation with the Faculty as a former lecturer, was ascribed to his significant role in enhancing infrastructure and dedicated support as a cherished friend.

The Rector specially acknowledged former Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Prof. Stephen Ikani Ocheni for donating an ICT Centre which was commissioned by the Ogohi – Onu Anyigba, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo.

Earlier in his remarks, the Dean, Prof. Orogun, appreciated Management of the institution for its support, encouragement and provision of the enabling environment for the Faculty to hold the Faculty Week and honour those who had contributed 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 of PAAU, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Daniel Atidoga, underscored the University’s commitment to excellence and provision of platforms to honour the University’s benefactors.

Other award recipients at the Faculty Week of the University include National Assembly members, Sen. Jibrin Isah Echocho of Kogi East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, member, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Halims, Deputy Majority Leader, House of Representatives.

Others are 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 Prof. Stephen Ocheni, a car park and walkway, donated by the Faculty alumnus. (Ends)