In a sweeping restructuring of Nigeria’s higher education system, President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes across multiple federal universities, including Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja).
According to a statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the changes take effect immediately.
As part of the overhaul, the President dissolved the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. 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. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, the current Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term but will not be eligible to apply for the substantive role.
Similarly, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his tenure was set to end on February 14. He will be replaced by Professor Oguejiofu Ujam, who will also serve in an acting capacity for six months without eligibility for the permanent role.
The reshuffling also affects several Pro-Chancellor positions. General Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo takes over as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo previously held the same role at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Additionally, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the outgoing Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores, a Council Member at UNN, is now the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
Further appointments include Mr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, who will now serve as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
President Tinubu emphasized that these leadership changes align with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector by fostering dynamic leadership and accountability.
According to Onanuga, the restructuring aims to enhance governance, improve academic standards, and drive sustainable growth within the nation’s universities.
