In a move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes across several federal universities.
These changes, effective immediately, include the dissolution of governing councils, reassignments, and new appointments. The announcement was made in a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Key Changes at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja)
- The entire governing council of Yakubu Gowon University has been dissolved.
- Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
- Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
- Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when it becomes available.
Changes at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before the end of his tenure on February 14.
- Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months. Like Professor Manko, he will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
- General Ike Nwachukwu, the outgoing Pro-Chancellor of UNN, has been reassigned to the same role at the University of Uyo.
- Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, previously Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Other Appointments and Reassignments
- Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
- Senator Sani Stores, a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.
- Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Commitment to Revitalizing Higher Education
Onanuga emphasized that these changes reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening governance and academic excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The restructuring aims to introduce dynamic leadership and accountability, ensuring that federal universities are better positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Immediate Effect
All appointments and reassignments are effective immediately, signaling the administration’s urgency in addressing leadership gaps and improving the quality of higher education in Nigeria.
These changes come at a critical time for Nigeria’s education sector, with the government seeking to enhance the global competitiveness of its universities and ensure they produce graduates equipped to drive national development.
