In a bold move to reposition Nigeria’s higher education landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities. These changes, which take effect immediately, signal a new direction for the governance of tertiary institutions across the country.
Among the major changes is the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. President Tinubu also dissolved the institution’s governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the condition that she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
To further strengthen the institution’s leadership, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, the outgoing Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. In his stead, Senator Joy Emordi has been reassigned from Alvan Ikoku University of Education to serve as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Similarly, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of his scheduled tenure expiration on February 14. In his place, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed for a six-month tenure, with the same restriction barring him from applying for the permanent role.
Leadership restructuring at UNN also extends to the Pro-Chancellor’s office, where Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to serve as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. To replace him, President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, is expected to bring his extensive experience to the role.
Furthermore, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will now serve as Pro-Chancellor at the Federal University of Lokoja. Meanwhile, Senator Sani Stores, a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
President Tinubu emphasized that these leadership changes reflect his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector. He stressed the need for dynamic leadership, accountability, and governance reforms that will enhance the quality of education and research output in the country’s federal universities.
This overhaul marks yet another decisive step by the President to reposition Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for improved efficiency and global competitiveness.
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