Kogi varsity to rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has disclosed that the institution has established a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities.

He made this known during an Expanded Security Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the institution, where security agencies, traditional rulers, university officials and representatives of the host community met to review measures aimed at improving safety within and around the university.

He noted that the initiative would provide an opportunity for affected students to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct, warning that those who refused to desist from criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

He also disclosed that the university had provided two vehicles as part of its broader strategy to combat cultism and other criminal activities while ensuring a peaceful environment for teaching, learning and research.

According to him, one of the vehicles has been dedicated to the Joint Security and Anti-Cultism Squad, while the second will be used by the university’s Security Patrol Team to strengthen surveillance across the campus and its surrounding communities.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working closely with security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to maintain law and order.

As part of measures to reinforce discipline, Prof. Usman disclosed that the University Management Committee, at its 403rd meeting, approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to ensure the strict enforcement of the institution’s rules and regulations.

The Vice-Chancellor dismissed a viral social media video alleging cult activities at PAAU, describing it as false and misleading.

He clarified that the incident shown in the video neither occurred within the university nor anywhere in Kogi State, urging members of the public to disregard the report.

He reassured students, parents and guardians that the university remains committed to protecting lives and property through sustained collaboration with security agencies.

Professor Usman also expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support in strengthening the university’s security architecture.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, whose support, he said, has helped sustain peace and stability within the institution.

In their separate remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, HRH Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, commended the university management for its proactive approach to security and pledged their continued support towards sustaining peace and safety within the university community.

The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, representatives of the host community and other stakeholders, who unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the university’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for teaching, learning and research.