Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has officially flagged off its Solar-Powered Campus Tricycle Shuttle Service as part of ongoing efforts by the University Management to provide affordable, safe and reliable transportation for staff and students.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, at the University Senate Building, was performed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Muhammed Suleiman Audu, on behalf of the University Management, in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, principal officers, staff, students and members of the Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria (TOAN).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the University’s drive to improve the welfare of staff and students through accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Muhammed Suleiman Audu, for honouring the occasion and described the event as historic, particularly as it was officially flagged off by the Chairman of Council.
Prof. Usman explained that the solar-powered tricycles would provide cheaper and more affordable transportation within the campus while complementing the services of motorcycle operators as part of measures introduced by the University Management to strengthen security and improve mobility.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the facilitator of the initiative, Hon. Isah Emmanuel Ojodunwene, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State for his commitment to supporting the University’s vision of creating a more conducive learning environment through improved transportation.
He charged the operators to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism, remain moderate in their dealings with students, maintain the tricycles in excellent condition, operate them responsibly and work closely with the University community to ensure efficient service delivery.
Prof. Usman also urged members of the association to remain united, continue to organise themselves responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the peace and orderly development of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support for the University.
He equally acknowledged the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for his continued encouragement and sustained confidence in the Management of the institution.
He reaffirmed that the University would continue to justify the confidence reposed in its leadership through policies and programmes that promote academic excellence, security and quality service delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Ahmed Sadiq Achemaje, commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, for embracing what he described as the first organised campus tricycle shuttle service since the establishment of Prince Abubakar Audu University.
Achemaje, an alumnus of the institution, pledged that all operators would strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the University and remain committed to delivering safe, responsible and student-friendly transportation services across the campus.
The TOAN Chairman paid glowing tribute to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for giving what he described as “a son of nobody the opportunity to become somebody” through the appointment of Prof. Usman as Vice-Chancellor.
He noted that since assuming office on 11th February 2026, the Vice-Chancellor had continued to transform lives and reposition the institution through purposeful and innovative leadership.
He further disclosed that all tricycles operating under the scheme would be painted in the official colours of Prince Abubakar Audu University to distinguish them from commercial tricycles and preserve the unique identity of the campus shuttle service.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Muhammed Suleiman Audu, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for their unwavering support for the University and for providing the enabling environment for the ongoing transformation being witnessed in the institution.
He noted that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, had continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership capacity and had justified the confidence reposed in him through impactful initiatives aimed at improving academic excellence, infrastructure, security and the overall welfare of staff and students.
Prof. Audu also commended the TOAN Chairman, Comrade Ahmed Sadiq Achemaje, an alumnus of the University, for mobilising members of the association to contribute to the growth and development of their alma mater.
Declaring the Solar-Powered Campus Tricycle Shuttle Service officially inaugurated, the Pro-Chancellor expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly improve transportation, enhance security and further strengthen the University’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
Uredo Omale,
Public Relations Officer,
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
