By joshua 
Brief Official Citation of Prof. Salihu
Sanusi Avidime, Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja.
Prof. Avidime
CONCISE INTRODUCTION.
Early Years
Beginning life in the relatively small town of Okene in the mid-1970s, Prof. Salihu Sanusi Avidime has embarked on a journey defined by quiet determination and an enduring belief in the power of education. Rising steadily through the ranks by merit,
discipline, and intellectual rigor, becoming not only a full-fledged Professor but also an administrator renowned for modesty, excellence, and selfless service. This inspiring
trajectory stands as a powerful reminder that greatness is not a product of privilege, but of purpose, affirming that with vision, sheer perseverance, and dedication, even the
most modest beginnings can lead to lives of profound impact and enduring legacies.
Born on 14th July, 1976 at Idoji Quarters, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State,
Nigeria, Prof. S.S Avidime began his journey into adulthood within a close-knit community that emphasized moral discipline and communal responsibility. His
formative years were deeply shaped by Islamic Education education, which instilled in
him enduring values of humility, honesty, and purposeful living, principles that have
remained the bedrock of his modest lifestyle till date. These early influences continue
to reflect in his character and conduct, evident in his intentional commitment to service,
ethical leadership, and a lifelong dedication to the advancement and well-being of humanity.
Education:
His academic journey began at LSMB Central School II, Okene (1983–1988), before
proceeding to Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College, Okene (1988–1994). He later obtained
the General Certificate in Education (GCE O’Level) in 1996, laying a solid academic foundation that would support higher aspirations in the years ahead. He attended
Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (1997–2001), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, subsequently fulfilling his compulsory National Service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during the 2002/2003 service year, further grounding his academic training in practical public service experience.
His postgraduate journey reflects remarkable intellectual breadth and policy relevance.
Obtaining a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano (2003–2005), followed by a Master of Science in Finance, with bias in Public Finance, from the University of Calabar (2005–2007) is a strategic and carefully tailored decision aimed at minting a highly ambitious academic who would go on to deservingly rise through the ranks to attain the highest pedestal of academic achievements
possible.
In 2016, Prof. Salihu Sanusi Avidime earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Political Science, a defining milestone that underscores the possibility of transforming dreams
into enduring academic excellence through commitment, resilience, and purposeful
pursuit of knowledge.
Emerging from a modest background shaped by early education, hard work and resilience, the renowned Professor of immense repute has built an enviable career that reflects steady growth, intellectual rigor, and principled leadership, affirming Malcolm
X’s position that indeed “education is the passport to the future.”
ACADEMIC SPECIALIZATION: Governance, Public Finance, Public Policy and Administration
RESEARCH MILESTONE:
Prof. S.S. Avidime’s research trajectory is a testament to sustained intellectual rigor and scholarly impact spanning both national and international domains. With publications in
high-impact journals such as the African Social and Educational Journal, CEDSAF
Journal of Social & Policy Research, and multiple Google Scholar-indexed outlets in the
USA, India, and Europe, his work addresses critical issues ranging from governance,
democracy, and public policy to socio-economic development and national security.
Beyond publications, his engagement in international research training, including the
prestigious Training of Trainers on Research Proposal Writing and Research Grant
Management at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge (rescheduled to UAE),
demonstrates his commitment to aligning local scholarship with global standards,
equipping himself and others with the skills to produce research of significant
relevance and measurable impact.
Locally, Prof. Avidime has profoundly influenced the Nigerian academic landscape
through decades of mentoring and capacity building. He has trained and guided thousands of undergraduates and postgraduate students in research methodologies,
proposal development, and scholarly writing, cultivating a generation of researchers
capable of producing rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship. His efforts extend beyond teaching, as he consistently integrates research with practical application, ensuring that local studies inform governance, development strategies, and societal progress.
Through this dual commitment to international exposure and grassroots capacity building, Prof. Avidime has not only advanced knowledge but also nurtured the
intellectual growth of Nigeria’s emerging scholars.
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Editor-in-Chief, Kogi Journal of Politics
Associate Review Editor, Ignatus Ajuru University of Education
Member, Editorial Board, Remaking Africa: Challenges of the Twenty-First Century,
Hope Publications, Ibadan.
Editor, Understanding Topical Issues in Political Science, A Publication of the
Department of Political Science, Prince AbubakarAudu University, Anyigba.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
Head, Department of Political Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba –
2020-2024.
Governing Council Member, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Membership of Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee (AP & DC),
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
Membership of Prince Abubakar Audu University Senate.
Membership of University Congregation, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
Faculty Committees Membership
Chairman, Faculty of Social Sciences
Review Committee on Examination
Misconduct Pending Cases 2020
Chairman, Faculty of Social Sciences
Welfare Committee 2021 Member, Faculty of Social Sciences
Publication/Journal Committee 2021
Member, Faculty of Social Sciences
Curriculum and Academic Development
committee 2021
Appointment into Department/Unit
Committee
Academic Adviser for 200 Level (2008-
2009) Chairman, Political Science Department
Examination Committee (2015-2017)
Secretary, Political Science Department
Committee on Alleged Fraudulent
Practices Over Examination Results (Feb.
2008).
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE
UNIVERSITY
Member, Council Ad-Hoc Committee on the Remuneration Packages/Allowances
for the Chairman/members of the
Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and
other Principal Officers (June 2022)
Member, Committee to Investigate the
Allegation in the Department of Mass
Communication (August, 2022)
Faculty of Social Sciences Registration
Officer, KSU, Post UME (2008)
Member, University Task Force on MAN
305 (2008)
Ag. Head, Department of Political Science
(2010-2011)
Member, Committee to Review Schemes
and Conditions of Service (2017)
Assessor, Journal of the Faculty of Social
Sciences (2018)
Member, Monitoring Team to Students’
Union Government Election (2021-Date)
NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT
National Universities Commission (NUC)
Institutional Accreditations of Academic
Programs in Nigerian Universities:
Member, Accreditation Panel to evaluate
Political Science program at the
University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State,
Nigeria.
Member, Accreditation Panel to evaluate
Political Science Programme at Ignatious
Ajuru University of Education,
Rumuolumeni, Port-Harcourt – Rivers
State Nigeria.
Member, Resource Verification Exercise
for the establishment of Bachelor of Arts
(B.A.)
Shari’ah Programe in the Faculty of Arts,
Taraba State University Jalingo, Nigeria.
OVERSEA TRAINING
This section describes an international research
training programme, having Prof. Avidime As a Resource Person:
Training Title: Training of trainers on Research
Proposal Writing and Research Grant
Management Capacity Building Workshop.
Institution: The Moller Institute, University of
Cambridge.
Location: Rescheduled to Dubai, United Arab
Emirates.
Training Focus:
Determining the characteristics of an excellent
researcher.
Identifying career development paths and what
is required to construct a professional research
profile.
Reflecting upon research frameworks and
researching methods for producing research of
impact.
Identifying how to evaluate impact according to
international standards and key research metrics.
Reflecting upon most effective strategies for
disseminating research outputs for achieving
quality indicator
CONCLUDING NOTE
Consequent upon the foregoing, the appointment of Prof. S.S Avidime as the Rector, Kogi State
Polytechnic is the fitting culmination of decades of uncommon toil, sacrifice, and quiet
excellence in academia. From his many years of research and scholarly service at Kogi State
University, now Prince Abubakar Audu University since early 2000s and presently with Taraba
State University, he has not just built a career, but a legacy defined by dedication, rigour, and
humane leadership.
Beyond the lecture room, Prof. Avidime has been a father figure to thousands; offering guidance, giving hope to students from humble backgrounds, and transforming lives that once
seemed ordinary into stories of purpose and achievement.
His impact is evident in the countless men and women across academia, industry, and enterprises who owe their confidence and progress to his belief and investment in them, despite
the challenges and rigours of building such an exemplary career.
Most profoundly, his unwavering commitment to the advancement of Nigerian youths stands out, having raised generations through his sagacious tutelage. Having nurtured an army of
accomplished individuals now scattered across sectors, this elevation is both timely and well deserved.
Indeed, Prof. S.S. Avidime’s appointment heralds not only a new chapter for Kogi State
Polytechnic but also a reaffirmation of the values of integrity, diligence, and visionary leadership
in the Nigerian academia. As he assumes this pivotal role, the institution and all stakeholders
can look forward to sustained growth, innovative scholarship, and an enduring culture of
excellence that mirrors the lifelong principles he embodies. His journey, marked by humility and
purpose, continues to inspire, reminding all that true leadership is measured not merely by position, but by the lives touched and the legacies built.