By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A former student of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, and Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo, has embarked on a major intervention to strengthen accounting education and research at his alma mater with the construction of an Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and Digital Library.
The project, which is being developed as a world-class facility, is expected to transform access to academic resources, promote research and innovation, and deepen professional development for accounting students and scholars in Nigeria.
The initiative took off formally with a groundbreaking ceremony at the university.
Speaking on behalf of Olowo at the ceremony, the Project Coordinator, Dr Mohammed Umar, said the centre was designed to provide students, lecturers and researchers with an environment comparable to leading academic institutions globally.
He said the facility would include a fully equipped digital library that would be accessible to accounting students across Nigerian universities.
According to Umar, the project will also establish partnerships with local and international professional bodies to provide students and researchers with free access to digital accounting textbooks, journals and other relevant academic materials.
He said the centre would give lecturers and researchers access to current international publications, helping to improve the quality of teaching, research output and professional development.
The facility, he added, would be supported by uninterrupted power supply, high-speed internet, a dedicated borehole and modern seminar rooms for lectures, research collaboration, conferences and capacity-building programmes.
Umar described the project as more than a physical structure, saying it was an investment in knowledge that could reposition PAAU as a major centre for accounting research and innovation.
He said the centre would also create opportunities for the university to attract research grants and funding while strengthening collaboration between the institution, professional bodies and the wider academic community.
The project coordinator commended Olowo for returning to his alma mater to make a lasting contribution to the development of education.
He also praised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Salisu Ogbo Usman, for providing an enabling environment for projects capable of advancing the university’s academic profile.
‘Project will outlive my tenure’
The Vice-Chancellor described the initiative as a landmark investment that could propel PAAU towards greater global recognition.
Usman said the centre would outlive his administration and continue to serve the university, Kogi State, Nigeria and the international academic community for years to come.
He particularly praised Olowo for giving back to his alma mater despite being from Kwara State, saying the gesture demonstrated that meaningful development should not be restricted by ethnic, religious or geographical boundaries.
The Vice-Chancellor urged lecturers to treat students with respect and compassion, reminding them that those they teach today could become leaders and influential figures tomorrow.
“Your students today may be the people who determine your future tomorrow,” he said, urging members of the academic community to build positive relationships with their students.
Usman further called on Nigerians to emulate Olowo by promoting unity and building relationships beyond ethnic and religious lines.
He warned that tribal and religious sentiments could undermine national development if allowed to take precedence over the common good.
Describing the groundbreaking as a historic moment for PAAU, the Vice-Chancellor directed that the construction site be adequately secured throughout the project.
He specifically warned against the theft or disappearance of construction materials, including cables, blocks and other equipment, and ordered relevant officials to maintain effective security from the commencement of construction until completion.
The project, when completed, is expected to serve not only PAAU but also accounting students, researchers and professionals seeking access to modern learning and research resources across Nigeria.