Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has announced a major academic reform agenda, including the revival of the university’s inaugural lecture series and a 100 per cent increase in lecturers’ honorarium.
Speaking after the 18th inaugural lecture held on Tuesday in Anyigba, Prof. Usman said the institution has raised the stipend for inaugural lecturers from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 as part of efforts to strengthen academic culture and encourage greater scholarly participation.
He described the decision as more than financial motivation, stressing that it reflects a renewed institutional commitment to research, intellectual engagement, and academic excellence.
“The increment is not just about money; it is about rewarding intellectual contribution and deepening scholarship within the university,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the revival of the lecture series marks a key milestone in the university’s 26-year history, adding that the 18th edition was the first under his administration, which began just over two months ago.
He disclosed that the university Senate, at its meeting on March 25, 2026, approved a structured schedule for 13 additional inaugural lectures to run between now and October 5, 2027, bringing the total to 30.
According to him, only 17 inaugural lectures had been delivered since the series began in 2008, a pace he described as slow compared to global academic standards.
“Inaugural lectures are a defining feature of universities worldwide. They enhance institutional prestige and connect academia with society,” he said.
Prof. Usman added that many younger universities have surpassed PAAU in maintaining consistent academic lecture traditions, stressing the need for the institution to “close the gap and reposition itself as a hub of intellectual discourse.”
He also hinted at reforms aimed at modernizing the lecture series, including innovative delivery formats to improve visibility and align with global best practices.
Beyond academic restructuring, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration has set up a committee to address lingering litigation issues affecting the university and issued a three-month ultimatum for illegal occupants of university property to vacate.
He further revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen ICT infrastructure, including electronic examinations, automated result processing, and broader e-governance systems.
Prof. Usman added that the university is also exploring solar energy solutions to improve power supply, describing the initiatives as part of a broader push for practical, problem-solving governance within the institution.
PAAU VC Revives Inaugural Lectures, Doubles Honorarium to Boost Scholarship
