Abuja is set to welcome one of Nigeria’s respected academic leaders as Professor Sunday Paul Bako, Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, prepares to take the stage at the upcoming Papyrus Global Local Government Chairmen/Mayors Conference & Awards (PAGMACA) 2026.
The conference, scheduled to hold from April 29 to May 1, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together mayors, local government chairmen, policymakers, development partners, and thought leaders from over 20 African countries to deliberate on governance, development, and sustainable growth.
Professor Bako will not only participate as a distinguished panelist but will also be honoured with a Special Recognition Award in acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions to academia, leadership, and national development.
His presence at the conference is being widely applauded by organisers, who describe him as a “reservoir of knowledge” whose experience in higher education leadership continues to shape institutional growth and human capital development in Nigeria.
As Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Bako has built a reputation for academic excellence, administrative innovation, and commitment to nurturing future leaders. His contributions span across education policy, research development, and institutional strengthening making him a valuable voice in discussions on governance and sustainable development.
At PAGMACA 2026, he is expected to engage participants in high-level dialogue, offering insights on the role of education in strengthening governance systems, improving public administration, and driving community development. His contribution is anticipated to enrich conversations around how academic institutions can better support local governments in addressing socio-economic challenges.
Organisers of the event expressed deep appreciation for his acceptance and participation, noting that his wealth of experience will add significant value to the conference.
“We are truly honoured to have Professor Sunday Paul Bako join us at PAGMACA 2026. His depth of knowledge, leadership experience, and dedication to education make him a powerful voice in shaping the future of governance and development in Africa. We also take this opportunity to specially recognise his outstanding contributions through a Special Recognition Award,” the organisers stated.
The award is intended to celebrate his enduring impact in academia and his role in advancing intellectual growth and institutional excellence in Nigeria.
PAGMACA 2026 is expected to be a landmark gathering, featuring keynote sessions, panel discussions, and an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in local governance and leadership across Africa.
As anticipation builds, Professor Bako’s participation stands out as one of the key highlights of the event, reinforcing the importance of bridging academia and governance in the pursuit of sustainable development.
