From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo, has initiated an Accounting Research Centre of Excellence and digital library at his alma mater, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, the project coordinator, Dr Mohammed Umar, who represented Olowo, said the centre was conceived in line with international best practices to support research, teaching and learning.
He said the digital library would collaborate with professional bodies in Nigeria and abroad to provide access to digital accounting textbooks and other free educational resources.The centre will also provide 24-hour power supply, high-speed internet connectivity and access to current academic publications. A borehole is also under construction.
Umar described the initiative as a major step towards improving access to knowledge and strengthening research capacity at the university. He said the project would be supported through stakeholder contributions, leveraging Olowo’s goodwill. Responding, PAAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Salisu Usman Ogbo, commended Olowo for the initiative and urged other alumni to support the university’s academic development.
Ogbo assured the project coordinator of 24-hour security for the facility to protect it from vandalism. He also commended the relationship between the university management and the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, urging members to sustain the partnership.
