The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has taken decisive steps to resolve the long-standing crisis rocking its Alumni Association, directing that reconciliation and fresh elections be concluded within one month.
The intervention, spearheaded by the Vice-Chancellor, Salisu Ogbo Usman, comes barely two months after he assumed office, signaling a firm commitment to restoring unity to a body weakened by years of factional disputes and litigation.
In a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Uredo Omale, the lingering crisis was described as a major setback to the Alumni Association’s ability to contribute meaningfully to institutional development.
As part of efforts to resolve the impasse, the Vice-Chancellor, on March 23, 2026, constituted a high-powered committee chaired by the Kogi State Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi (SAN).
The committee comprised prominent stakeholders, including Henry Anibe Agbonika, Sunday Faleke, Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya, Prince Hillary Collins Musa, Hon. Comfort Olufunke Obaromi, Mr. Richard Oguche, and Mr. Yusuf Haruna.
According to the university, the panel was mandated to investigate both immediate and underlying causes of the crisis, engage aggrieved factions, facilitate dialogue, and explore options for withdrawing ongoing court cases. It was also tasked with recommending lasting solutions to unify the association and prevent future disputes.
Following extensive consultations, the committee submitted its report on April 24, 2026, marking a significant breakthrough in the reconciliation process.
Presenting the report on behalf of the chairman, Dr. Agbonika commended the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and expressed confidence in the willingness of alumni members to embrace peace. He reaffirmed that the 2009 Alumni Constitution remains the only legally recognised framework guiding the association.
In his response, Prof. Usman described the development as a turning point, noting that the prolonged crisis had hindered collective progress and was largely avoidable. He reiterated that the university management would not interfere in the internal affairs of the Alumni Association.
However, he announced the conversion of the reconciliation panel into an Implementation Committee, charged with executing its recommendations, including the organisation of a unifying congress and the conduct of credible elections.
The Vice-Chancellor directed that the entire reconciliation and transition process be completed within one month—a timeline the committee has pledged to meet through a transparent and inclusive process.
Observers say the move could finally end years of division within the Alumni Association and reposition it as a critical partner in advancing the university’s growth and development.
PAAU Moves to End Alumni Crisis, Orders Fresh Elections Within One Month
