Olu Samuel

A total of 178 students or f Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, Ayingba ,Kogi state bagged first class degree as 26,160 graduate from the institution.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Professor Marietu Tenuche during a press conference heralding the 7th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday.

“Out of the total number of graduating students, 178 students made 1st class, 5,653 got 2nd class upper , while 15,266 came out with 2nd class lower degree just as 4,881 got 3rd class, while 172 students had pass.”

Professor Tenuche said that the remarkable achievements recorded during her tenure as the first female Vice Chancellor in the 25 year history was due the strong backing of the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello and his successor who sustained the tempo and even expanded government commitments to the University.

“As the first female Vice-Chancellor in the 25-year history of the University, my appointment came at a defining moment. At the time, the University was grappling with serious security concerns, cult-related violence, loss of lives, and the need for additional infrastructural facilities. Many believed the situation was overwhelming.

“With the strong backing of the then Visitor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and my institutional memory arising from my being a pioneer staff and having served three times as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, we were able to turn things around positively, to the glory of Almighty Allah. We identified challenges not as limitations but as opportunities for reform.

She said that the University administration anchored its policies on three strategic pillars:
Campus security, Responsible work ethics and institutional discipline, Welfare of staff and students.

“These pillars have consistently guided our decisions and actions from 2020 to date.

She pointed out that with security restored, her administration decisively addressed academic and social misconduct.

“Examination malpractice, academic fraud, indecent dressing, and unethical practices were addressed head-on.” She noted.

Professor Tenuche said that Class representatives system that served as middlemen between students and erring lecturers were eliminated, reinforcing transparency and integrity.

“We redirected student energy toward productive engagement. A major strength of our administration has been the continuity of government support.