By Ahmed Abdulkareem
The kogi state own pioneer University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (PAAU) is reportedly sinking in fortunes, due to acclaimed unprecedented challenges bedevilling the institution presently .
The president of a youth group, under the aegis of Kogi Youth Frontier ( KYF), Danlami Ibrahim dropped this hint in Lokoja at a press conference on Thursday.
He said the state government has neglected the institution by evolving out policies that are affecting proper attention deserved by the citadel of learning for years.
Explaining, he said, among others , the State government has halted Earned Academic Allowance payments and diverted 50% of the university’s Internally Generated Revenue(IGR), sparking widespread concern in view of it’s negative implications.
“The once-thriving Prince Abubakar Audu University now faces unprecedented challenges due to negligence and lack of proper attention.
“Staff financial struggles worsen, with allowances ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 Naira stopped.
“There is no building project being initiated in the school by the state government, except that of intervention of Education Tertiary Fund (ETF)
Abuja; the institution is seriously suffering from underdevelopment and neglect.
“Six years without promotions have demoralised academics, prompting an exodus of qualified personnel.
“Inexperienced lecturers now fill gaps, compromising education quality and undermining the university’s reputation”, he said .
While the youth group added that the move has affected staff morale and negates the quality of teaching, including graduate of the institution, the president stressed that parents now fear for their children’s future, besides worrying about reduced opportunities in the competitive society.
He added, currently: “Business communities are worrying about graduating subpar talent, affecting competitiveness; and local communities are bracing up for economic and social fallout.
“Taxpayers are demanding accountability, expecting efficient resource ultilization.
“Policymakers must be seen to balance competing interests, prioritizing education. An effective policies can revive the university’s fortunes to maintain quality education”.
Against this backdrop, the KYF urged the Kogi State Government to reconsider its directives and engage stakeholders on the way out to cushion the occasioned prevailing low morale in the institution, due to this unfavourable policies.
The youth group therefore calls for the restoration of Earned Academic Allowances, reconsidering IGR allocation, and promoting career advancement in the institution, saying ,they are crucial key factors that can restore normalcy positively.
Also, the KYF calls for collaborative effort to revive the university, stressing that “stakeholders, staff, students, parents, and the community, must unite together to drive positive change in the institution”.
“Prince Abubakar Audu University’s decline affects not only staff and students but also the broader community.
“We call on the Kogi State government to as a matter of urgency, implement promotions from 2019 till date; pay arrears of promotions and Earned Academic Allowances (EAA); restore Earned Academic Allowances and reconsider IGR allocation as well as promote career advancement; engage stakeholders and prioritize education”, the statement read.
The youth group that said the future of Kogi State’s youth hangs in the balance urged the state government to act now and reclaim the university’s esteemed position within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
KYF stressed further that “as Kogi State’s pioneering institution, Prince Abubakar Audu University has produced graduates who are driving growth and development in the society; emphasising that its resurgence is vital for the state’s progress.
KYF added : “Repositioning the university to its former glory requires strategic investment. Enhanced infrastructure, modern facilities and innovative programs will attract top talent and foster competitiveness.
“By revitalising Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State will reap benefits: increased economic activity, reduced unemployment and enhanced human capacity. Education drives progress”.
