PAAU Resolves Alumni crisis , sue for lasting peace.
By Uredo Omale
Barely two months after assumption of leadership as Vice-Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has set in motion, mechanism for resolving the protracted crisis within the Alumni Association of the Institution. The peace initiative signals a new chapter of unity and progress in the Association.
The Alumni Association has been confronted by years of factionalisation and legal tussles that have undermined its strength and cohesion amongst members.
Accordingly, on 23rd March, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor consituted a high-powered Committee on the Resolution of Disputes under the Chairmanship of Hon. Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, the Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Kogi State with other eminent personalities including Dr. Henry Anibe Agbonika, Hon. Sunday Faleke, Hon. Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya, Prince Hillary Collins Musa, Hon. Comfort Olufunke Obaromi, Mr. Richard Oguche, and Mr. Yusuf Haruna as members.
The crisis, widely viewed as a major impediment to the Alumni Association’s contribution to the University’s development, prompted Management to take firm and proactive steps aimed at restoring order and harmony.
The Committee was given a far-reaching mandate to unravel both immediate and underlying causes of the disputes, engage all factions and stakeholders in constructive dialogue, facilitate amicable resolutions, and explore pathways for the withdrawal of ongoing litigations.
It was also tasked with recommending practical measures for harmonising all groups into a single, cohesive Alumni Association, thereby preventing future conflicts.
Following extensive consultations and stakeholders engagements, the Committee submitted its report to the University Management on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Presenting the report at the Council Chambers, Dr. Henry Anibe Agbonika, who stood in for the Chairman, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his foresight and decisive leadership in addressing what he described as a deeply rooted and protected crisis within the Alumni Association.
He assured Management of the Alumni’s commitment to peace and progress, stressing that no action would be taken to jeopardise the institution’s development.
Dr. Agbonika reaffirmed that the 2009 Constitution—duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)—remains the only legally recognised framework guiding the Alumni Association and will serve as the foundation for all subsequent processes.
He added that the Committee’s work was driven by a shared resolve to rebuild trust, restore unity, and reposition the Alumni Association as a dependable partner in advancing the University’s goals.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, expressed deep appreciation to the Committee for its promptness and dedication.
He described the moment as both historic and pivotal, marking a turning point in resolving a crisis that has lingered for far too long.
Prof. Usman noted that the calibre of individuals on the Committee underscored the seriousness of Management’s intervention.
He, however, lamented the prolonged divisions within the Alumni body, describing them as avoidable setbacks that have hindered collective progress.
Reaffirming the University’s commitment to a strong and vibrant Alumni Association, he emphasised that while Management remains a key stakeholder, it will not interfere in the internal leadership affairs of the body.
In a significant development, the Vice-Chancellor directed that the Committee be transformed into an Implementation Committee to oversee the execution of its recommendations.
He charged members to organise a general congress of alumni, conduct credible elections, and produce a unified leadership in line with the provisions of the 2009 Constitution.
He further urged that the entire reconciliation and transition process be concluded within one month, stressing the urgency of restoring stability, credibility, and functionality to the Alumni Association.
On its part, the Committee assured Management of its readiness to deliver on the assignment within the stipulated timeframe, pledging to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible process.
