By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has approved the establishment of nine new institutes and a centre to expand its research, innovation, professional training and community engagement.
The approval, which takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, followed recommendations by the University Senate at its emergency meeting held on September 9.
The institution disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Uredo Omale.
The newly approved entities are the Institute of Strategic Communication and Development; Centre for Continuing Education; Institute of Education; Institute of Vaccine Research and Production; and Institute of Digital Innovation and Practice.
Others are the Institute for Governance and Accountability; Institute of African Studies and Digital Humanities; Institute of Humanitarian and Human Rights Law; and Institute of Plant Conservation, Biotechnology and Natural Products.
According to the university, the new institutes and centre are expected to provide platforms for interdisciplinary scholarship while addressing emerging societal needs through teaching, research, professional training and community service.
PAAU said each proposal contains clearly defined missions, visions and objectives, as well as academic and administrative structures, curricula, staffing requirements and organograms to guide the operation of the new entities.
The university explained that the proposals underwent rigorous screening by a committee constituted to assess submissions from faculties and academic units in line with guidelines of the National Universities Commission.
It said 11 proposals were submitted to the Senate, with nine approved and recommended to the University Governing Council, while two were stepped down for further review.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, said the new institutes and centre would strengthen the university’s mandate in teaching, research, professional development and community service.
Usman described the new entities as extensions of PAAU’s academic mission, offering flexible pathways for learners seeking professional skills, postgraduate education and quality-assured part-time programmes.
He commended the Senate and screening committee for what he described as their diligence and foresight, assuring that the university management would ensure strict compliance with approved academic standards and regulatory requirements.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged prospective students, researchers and other stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new institutes and centre to pursue academic, professional and research goals.