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 services. 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, 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.
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
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY WITH TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY, JALINGO AND PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA
Professor – Department of Political Science, Taraba State University (2023)
Associate Professor: Department of Political Science (2019-2022)
Senior Lecturer: Department of Political Science (2016-2019)
Lecturer I: Department of Political Science (2012-2016)
Lecturer II: Department of Political Science (2009-2012)
Assistant Lecturer: Department of Political Science (2005-2009)
OTHERS:
- Visiting Lecturer, University of Calabar, Abuja Study Centre (2007-2009)
- Part-time Lecturer, Kogi State Polytechnic, Okene Study Centre (2007-2019)
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 writings, 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.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
Prof. S.S. Avidime maintains active engagement with key professional bodies, including the Nigeria Political Science Association, Institute of Chartered Economics of Nigeria, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, and Academic Staff Union of Universities. His contributions extend to strategic committees within the NPSA and nominations for fellowship in leading professional institutes, reflecting sustained scholarly engagement and recognition within the academic and professional community. In addition, he has played significant editorial roles, including serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Kogi Journal of Politics and contributing to academic publications and review processes with institutions such as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
In the area of academic leadership and institutional service, Prof. S.S. Avidime has held key administrative positions at Prince Abubakar Audu University, notably as Head of the Department of Political Science, alongside membership of the Governing Council, Senate, and other statutory bodies. His service spans a wide range of faculty, departmental, and university-wide committees, where he has contributed to academic planning, staff and student affairs, disciplinary processes, and policy implementation. He has also undertaken several special assignments, including participation in investigative panels, accreditation exercises, and security and administrative committees.
At Taraba State University, the erudite academic has equally distinguished himself as a perfect team player, contributing immensely to the success of both educational and administrative excellence.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
At the national level, Prof. S.S. Avidime has contributed to academic quality assurance through engagements with the National Universities Commission, participating in accreditation and programme evaluation exercises across Nigerian universities.
Internationally, the erudite Professor has served as a resource person in a research training programme associated with the University of Cambridge, later held in Dubai, reflecting global academic exposure.
CONCLUSION
Despite his present role as the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, the academic don continues to maintain professional engagements with the Department of Political Science, Taraba State University of Nigeria, where he contributes to teaching, mentorship, and scholarly development.
