Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman was born in Angwa-Ogebe in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. He started his primary education at Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School in Ankpa, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1988.
Usman later proceeded to St Charles College, Ankpa, for his Secondary education in 1989, but switched over to the Young Muslim Congress Secondary School (YMCSS), Ankpa, where he obtained his West Africa Senior School Certificate in 1995.
In 1995, he enrolled at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination (IJMBE) and obtained Advanced Level Result issued by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1996. He was a member of the pioneer set of the programme.
He later enrolled for his Bachelor Degree at the Bayero University, Kano, in 1997 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Political Science in 2001.
In 2004, Dr. Usman proceeded to the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, where he obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Political Science in 2006.
He secured admission into Nassarawa State University, Keffi in 2010, and was conferred with a PhD in Political Economy and Development Studies in 2015.
In terms of career development, Dr Usman began his public service in 2003 as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Ilorin under the guidance and mentorship of a renowned scholar and astute administrator, Professor Shamsudeen Amali, then Vice Chancellor of the University.
He also enjoyed the mentorship of an equally reputable scholar, administrator, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
At the University of Ilorin, Dr Usman served as Acting Secretary, College of Health Sciences for over a year and Faculty Officer, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences. Dr Usman also provided invaluable secretariat support (as Secretary) to over 22 Committees and Panels at the University of Ilorin.
Usman transferred his services to Kogi State University, Anyigba, as an Assistant Lecturer in 2009. He rose steadily through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science in the University.
At Kogi State University, he served as Level Adviser across levels, Secretary, Departmental Project Coordinator, Assistant Examination Officer, Examination Officer, PG Coordinator and Head of Department of Political Science from 2016 to the time of his appointment as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
At the Faculty level, he served as Member, Faculty Electoral Committee for the election of Dean (2013), Chairman, Faculty Electoral Committee for election of Dean (2016 and 2018), and Member, Faculty of Social Sciences Management Committee (2016- April, 2020). He also served as Secretary, Faculty Examination Misconduct Committee, Chairman, Faculty Examination Misconduct Committee (2017- April, 2020).
At the larger university level, he served as Secretary, E-examination Committee, Chairman, E-examination Committee, Deputy Coordinator, General Studies Unit, Coordinator, General Studies Unit and Dean, Student Affairs. Dr. Usman was the Director of Consultancy Services and a Member (Congregation Representative) Governing Council of the University before his appointment as Rector.
Dr Usman has published numerous articles in reputable local and international journals and has several chapters in edited books to his credit. In addition, he has attended and presented papers at conferences both at the disciplinary and interdisciplinary levels across the country.
He has also delivered lectures and engaged in constructive interactions at several conferences, forums, workshops and symposia.
He is member of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) and Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration (FCIA).
Dr. Usman assumed office as Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic in April 2020, and was confirmed as substantive Rector on 12th February, 2021 by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. As Rector, Dr Usman has revolutionised the face of the Polytechnic, turning into a giant in intellectual and infrastructural reputes, and these have won accolades from all strata of national life.
Due to his outstanding contributions to human advancement, Dr Usman is a recipient of several awards as a student, administrator, teacher and Chief Executive at the Bayero University, Kano, University of Ilorin, Kogi State University, Anyigba, and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, respectively.
Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman is happily married and blessed with children.