My Senior Colleague and Great Friend,
Today, I celebrate not just a birthday, but a leader whose impact deserves to be acknowledged beyond the walls of the university.
For years, whenever Professor Ogbo saw me, I could almost predict his next words: “Theo, when are you bringing your PhD for me?” One might have thought he had entrusted his own PhD to me! But those who understood our relationship knew that this was his unique way of pushing me towards completing my doctorate and advancing my academic career.
Now that I have successfully defended my PhD, the true meaning of those persistent questions has become clearer to me. He was not merely asking about a certificate; he was pushing me towards a future that would make a difference in my career. Sir, I am a direct beneficiary of that encouragement, and I will never take it for granted.
But beyond my personal experience, there are developments at PAAU that deserve the attention of every fair-minded observer.
What does it mean to create opportunities for career progression, where staff members with the requisite academic qualifications and subject to applicable regulations can aspire to new professional responsibilities? It means giving people hope that education can open doors, transform careers, and change destinies.
What does it mean to improve security in a university environment previously troubled by cult-related activities? It means restoring confidence, protecting the learning environment, reassuring parents, and giving students a better opportunity to pursue their education without fear.
And what does it mean to create greater opportunities for inaugural lectures within a relatively short period? To those of us in academia, it means more than ceremonial events. It represents the recognition of scholarship, the celebration of intellectual achievements, and the strengthening of a university’s academic culture.
A university is not rated by its buildings and expansive land alone. Its true worth is also measured by the quality of scholarship it promotes, the innovations it produces, and the result-oriented research it can accommodate, support, and translate into solutions to societal problems. Infrastructure is important, but intellectual capital, research excellence, innovation, and the capacity to influence society are what distinguish a truly great university.
Sir, considering the changes and renewed direction we have witnessed so far, I am optimistic that PAAU can rise to become one of the top five universities in Nigeria and, in due course, among the top ten in Africa, in Jesus’ name. This is an aspiration that will require sustained investment in research, stronger academic standards, innovation, institutional discipline, and the collective commitment of management, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. I believe the foundation for greater achievements can be strengthened under your leadership.
Within a few months of Professor Ogbo’s administration, I began to see changes that renewed my confidence in the institution. Today, I know parents who are preparing their children to study at PAAU. That growing confidence is important because a university’s reputation is built not only on its name but also on the security, opportunities, academic standards, and hope it offers.
To those who may be quick to criticise, I say this with every sense of responsibility: criticism is healthy, but fairness demands that we acknowledge progress wherever we find it. No administration is beyond scrutiny, and no leader should be immune to constructive criticism. However, it is equally unfair to overlook genuine efforts simply because we disagree with a person or occupy different sides of an argument. Some institutional changes are not always obvious to outsiders. Those who live and work within the system often understand their significance much better.
Professor Ogbo, thank you for the personal encouragement, the determination to push others towards excellence, and the efforts to improve our university. Your persistent question about my PhD has become a personal reminder that sometimes, the greatest gift a leader can give another person is the refusal to allow them to settle below their potential.
As I celebrate you today, I pray that Almighty God grants you greater wisdom, sound health, renewed strength, and the grace to accomplish even more for PAAU, Kogi State, Nigeria, and humanity. May the good work continue to grow, and may the years ahead bring greater achievements and enduring legacies, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
And yes, Sir, I look forward to the day when we shall proudly say: “HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROFESSOR USMAN SALISU OGBO!”
Happy Birthday, Sir. You are celebrated today, and your positive impact deserves to be remembered tomorrow.
Dr. Omale Theophilus Ocholi