In a move to strengthen academic collaboration, the Provost of Kogi State College of Education (KSCOE), Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, on May 22, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to revive a previously established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on programme affiliation between the two Institutions.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Fashagba expressed admiration for the growth and academic excellence of PAAU, noting that the University has become a beacon of quality education in Nigeria. “Prince Abubakar Audu University is a modern Institution that stands tall by every measurable standard. It is our own, and we believe it is only right to consolidate our academic partnership,” he said.
He further explained that upon his assumption of office, he discovered that KSCOE Ankpa was in affiliation with a distant university, prompting him to question why a closer and more prestigious Institution like PAAU was not prioritized. “We felt that if we could go far to seek affiliations, we should first look to our home. That’s why we are here—to rekindle this relationship and chart a new course together,” he added.
The Provost also appealed to PAAU to consider a partnership that could help accommodate some of the University’s excess admission applicants by redirecting them to KSCOE Ankpa under a collaborative arrangement.
Supporting the Provost’s remarks, the Director of Academic Planning at KSCOE, Dr. Ali Maji, recalled that the affiliation efforts were once near completion but stalled due to financial constraints. “This is not a new initiative but a revival of earlier plans that were unfortunately hindered. We are now ready to see it through,” he said.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Johnson Juwon Orugun, lauded the initiative and congratulated Dr. Fashagba for his proactive leadership. “Your visit and the plans you have outlined speak volumes of your passion for academic advancement. The University is open to this collaboration,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Director of Academic Planning at PAAU, Professor Abayomi Ajayi, commended the efforts of the KSCOE team and assured them of the University’s readiness to support the process. He highlighted that the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tenuche, places high priority on affiliations and collaborative partnerships.
Professor Ajayi outlined key technical considerations needed for the affiliation to proceed, including:
Notification to the National Universities Commission (NUC): PAAU must formally declare its readiness and ensure all required conditions are met.
Review of the MoU: The existing agreement must be updated and aligned with current academic and regulatory expectations.
Financial Considerations: While the financial terms remain, PAAU is committed to playing a supervisory role, including admission oversight, certificate issuance, and transcript provision—regardless of financial gain.
He affirmed that although the affiliation with KSCOE Ankpa had reached an advanced stage previously, formal NUC approval is still pending. “Once that hurdle is cleared, the rest can move forward quickly,” he stated, emphasizing that the next step lies with the College.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) also commended the seriousness of the KSCOE team and announced that a committee would be set up to follow through on the discussions. “We welcome you warmly and assure you that PAAU is ready. We pray this relationship will elevate both institutions,” he concluded.
Other PAAU management members present at the meeting included:
- Prof. Oja Paul Egwemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics)
- Barrister Yahaya Alilu Shegu, University Registrar
- Prof. Abayomi Ajayi, Director of Academic Planning
The KSCOE Ankpa delegation was led by:
- Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, Provost
- Dr. C. J. Ezeora-Ag, Registrar
- Alhaji Lawal Lamidi Itopa
- Dr. Ali Maji, Director of Academic Planning
- Mr. Emmanuel Onanayi, Director of Internal Quality Assurance
- Mr. Sani Abubakar, PRO to the Provost
The renewed affiliation is expected to expand academic opportunities, enhance curriculum delivery, and provide students in the region access to high-quality university-certified degrees without the need to relocate.