By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo, has commenced the construction of a world-class Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and Digital Library at his alma mater, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State.
The project, which is aimed at strengthening accounting education, research and innovation, was formally launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at the university.
Speaking on behalf of Olowo at the ceremony, the Project Coordinator, Dr Mohammed Umar, said the facility was conceived in line with global best practices and would provide a modern environment for learning, research, knowledge dissemination and academic development.
Umar said the centre would house a fully equipped digital library accessible to accounting students across Nigerian universities, while partnerships with local and international professional bodies would provide free access to digital accounting textbooks, journals and other academic resources.
He said the facility would also enable lecturers and researchers to access current global publications, thereby improving teaching, research output and professional development within PAAU and beyond.
According to him, the centre will be equipped with uninterrupted power supply, high-speed internet connectivity, a dedicated borehole and state-of-the-art seminar rooms to support teaching, research collaboration and capacity building.
Umar described the project as a major milestone for PAAU, saying it would revolutionise access to knowledge and research skills while creating a platform for attracting research grants and other funding opportunities to the university.
He commended Olowo for giving back to his alma mater, describing him as a distinguished alumnus whose passion for education and knowledge-sharing inspired the initiative.
Umar also praised the Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof Salisu Ogbo Usman, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for landmark projects and academic development.
He said the centre was expected to emerge as a leading hub for accounting research and innovation in Nigeria, adding that its development would be supported through stakeholder contributions and Olowo’s goodwill.
‘Project will take PAAU to global relevance’
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the proposed centre as a landmark investment capable of elevating PAAU’s profile and enhancing its relevance in the global academic community.
Usman said the project would outlive his tenure and continue to benefit the university, Kogi State, Nigeria and the international academic community.
He commended Olowo for giving back to his alma mater despite originating from Kwara State, saying the gesture demonstrated that development and service should transcend ethnic, religious and geographical considerations.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the occasion to urge lecturers to treat their students with care and respect, noting that students who pass through their hands today could become leaders and key decision-makers in the future.
He called on Nigerians to emulate Olowo by promoting unity and building relationships beyond tribal and religious boundaries.
Usman warned that ethnic and religious sentiments that divide Nigerians could hinder collective development, stressing the need for citizens to prioritise national progress over narrow interests.
He described the groundbreaking ceremony as a historic milestone for PAAU and directed that adequate security be provided at the construction site throughout the duration of the project.
The Vice-Chancellor specifically warned against the disappearance of construction materials, including cables, blocks and other equipment, and directed relevant authorities to ensure proper protection of the site from commencement to completion.